When was the last time you took a moment to take stock of your relationships? Taking a step back and being introspective helps you repair a situation or move away from one that’s unhealthy. You should do this in a variety of areas in your life, but specifically with your own HR/payroll career. You may find that you’re right where you need to be, need a few tweaks, or are miles away from the ideal… but take time to ask yourself some tough questions.
Where can you simplify?
Are there time-suck decisions you seem to be making over and over? This could be as simple as what you wear or where you go for lunch or as complex as deciding what to do about problem employees. If you can, simplify the things you can with policies or routine – don’t waste energy cycles on things that do not matter or hard decisions that need to be made once and for all. When something has to be done in repetition, see if there are logical ways you can automate the processes.
What do you need to do today?
Ever go home after a long day and wonder what you accomplished in your HR/payroll position? Fires pop up, meetings happen, and the next thing you know you’re commuting home. Take the time each morning to prioritize what needs to get done before you head home and write it down. The simple act of making a list and having it stare at you all day helps you focus and accomplish the most important aspects of your HR/payroll job.
How important is this? So much in fact that Charles Schwab paid a man by the name of Ivy Lee $25,000 in 1918 to ensure that Bethlehem Steel employees followed this process.
What’s holding you back?
Are you afraid to take risks, volunteer, or try something new at work? If you continue to do the same things over and over again you may indeed have job security in your HR/payroll position, but it is unlikely you will grow and advance your career. Figure out what you’re scared of, and tackle challenges that make you uncomfortable – it’s how you grow.
Do you know who you are?
Are you self-aware? Do you know what your own strengths and weaknesses are? Knowing what your weaknesses are give you an opportunity to address them and improve while understanding your strengths helps you apply them and shine.
How’s your support system?
Do you have a mentor and supportive peers? If not is it your own fault for closing yourself off to these opportunities? And on the other hand, do you have any bad influences at work that are taking your eye off what you need to achieve?
By taking a careful look at yourself through these lenses, you will not only make yourself a better employee, but your organization or future organization more successful. If part of your assessment concludes that it is time to find a new position, the team at Willory is ready to help you find the right match.
