1. Deep Understanding of Employee Behavior
HR leaders spend countless hours observing how employees and candidates operate. This gives them unparalleled insights into what truly motivates people to do their best work.
2. Creativity Galore
The best HR leaders are creativity powerhouses! They constantly brainstorm unique ideas to build company culture, tackle issues, and bring teams together. And guess what? Creative thinking is a must-have skill for any CEO!
3. Jack of All Trades
HR leaders are often resourceful generalists. They learn to wear many hats and master various skills due to limited resources. This adaptability is gold in the CEO role.
4. Analytical Mindset
HR leaders don’t just have people skills—they’re also whizzes with data. They analyze internal performance metrics and take action based on the results. Talk about a double threat!
5. Natural Collaborators
Ever managed a diverse team with competing priorities? That’s daily life for HR leaders. They’re experts at fostering collaboration and understanding different perspectives—key qualities for any leader.
6. Strategic Thinkers
HR leaders know precisely what to say, when to say it, and how much action is needed to hit human-related goals. Strategic thinking? They’ve got it in spades!
7. Marketing Savvy
HR leaders get marketing because they understand people deeply. From A/B testing messages to audience segmentation, they have first-hand experience in what works. They may not use the buzzwords, but they totally get the concepts.
In a nutshell, every aspiring CEO should spend at least two years in HR to understand what it takes to be there for your people.