The Way of the HR Warrior

1. Become an HR Warrior: Transform HR's perception through daily excellence

The HR Warrior is a professional who can be counted on to get the job done right, to exceed expectations, to inspire others, and to set the expectations that increase the work output of everyone around them.

Transform HR's image. HR Warriors are committed to changing the negative perception of HR by consistently demonstrating value and excellence in their work. They understand that HR plays a crucial role in an organization's success and strive to make a positive impact every day.

Develop essential qualities. The CHARGE framework outlines the key qualities of an HR Warrior:

• Courage
• Humility
• Accuracy
• Resiliency
• Goal-oriented
• Exemplary

By cultivating these qualities, HR professionals can elevate their performance and contribute more effectively to their organizations.

2. Embrace courage: Stand up for what's right, even when it's difficult

Warriors demonstrate the ability to problem-solve together, rather than just cutting a hole in the existing plans to show how penetrable they are.

Face challenges head-on. HR Warriors must be willing to have difficult conversations, challenge the status quo, and stand up for what's right, even when it's uncomfortable. This includes addressing performance issues, providing honest feedback, and pushing back against unethical practices.

Balance diplomacy and assertiveness. While it's important to be courageous, HR Warriors must also be strategic in their approach. They should:

• Present data and evidence to support their position
• Communicate respectfully and professionally
• Focus on finding solutions rather than just pointing out problems
• Build alliances with key stakeholders to gain support for important initiatives

3. Practice humility: Ask questions, admit mistakes, and keep learning

Humility requires that a Warrior act honorably, even if no one is conducting an internet search on our company.

Embrace a growth mindset. HR Warriors recognize that they don't have all the answers and are always open to learning. They:

• Ask questions to gain deeper understanding
• Seek out mentors and learning opportunities
• Admit when they've made mistakes and focus on finding solutions
• Remain open to feedback and different perspectives

Lead by example. By demonstrating humility, HR Warriors create a culture of trust and continuous improvement. They show that it's okay to be vulnerable and that learning from mistakes is an essential part of growth.

4. Strive for accuracy: Dig deep to find root causes of workplace issues

Warriors demonstrate accuracy in their daily work. Accuracy means to identify the root cause of any issue.

Conduct thorough investigations. HR Warriors don't settle for surface-level explanations or quick fixes. They:

• Ask probing questions to uncover underlying issues
• Gather data and evidence from multiple sources
• Consider different perspectives and potential biases
• Use tools like root cause analysis to identify systemic problems

Provide data-driven solutions. Once the root cause is identified, HR Warriors develop comprehensive solutions that address the core issue rather than just treating symptoms. They:

• Present clear action plans with measurable outcomes
• Follow up to ensure solutions are implemented effectively
• Track results and make adjustments as needed

5. Develop resilience: Persevere through challenges and setbacks

Resilience weaves through everything HR Warriors do. And resilience is demonstrated through consistent effort and a consistently positive attitude, brought to work every day like a lunch pail.

Build emotional strength. HR work can be emotionally challenging, dealing with difficult situations and complex human dynamics. HR Warriors develop strategies to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook, such as:

• Practicing self-care and work-life balance
• Seeking support from mentors or colleagues
• Focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term setbacks
• Celebrating small wins and progress along the way

Learn from failures. Resilient HR Warriors view setbacks as opportunities for growth. They:

• Analyze what went wrong and identify lessons learned
• Adjust their approach based on new insights
• Maintain a growth mindset and belief in their ability to improve
• Use past experiences to build confidence in facing future challenges

6. Stay goal-oriented: Align HR objectives with business goals

Understanding the business goals is not about adding to your professional knowledge bank but about the role you play in the greater success of the company.

Know your company's objectives. HR Warriors take the time to understand their organization's:

• Mission and values
• Financial goals and metrics
• Competitive landscape
• Short-term and long-term strategic objectives

Align HR initiatives with business needs. By understanding the bigger picture, HR Warriors can:

• Develop talent strategies that support business growth
• Create HR metrics that demonstrate impact on business outcomes
• Prioritize initiatives that directly contribute to organizational goals
• Communicate HR's value in terms that resonate with business leaders

7. Be exemplary: Lead by example and set high standards for yourself and others

Warriors demonstrate humility by asking others to do what they themselves demonstrate first.

Set the bar high. HR Warriors hold themselves to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and performance. They:

• Follow through on commitments and meet deadlines
• Demonstrate the behaviors they expect from others
• Continuously seek ways to improve their skills and knowledge
• Take ownership of mistakes and focus on solutions

Inspire others. By consistently demonstrating excellence, HR Warriors:

• Earn the respect and trust of colleagues and leaders
• Create a culture of high performance and accountability
• Motivate others to strive for continuous improvement
• Elevate the perception of HR within the organization

8. Understand the business: Know your company's goals, challenges, and metrics

If you work for a public company, you can read press releases and investor relations information on your company website. What is the stock price? How is the price today compared with that in the past? What are competitor companies' stock prices?

Develop business acumen. HR Warriors take the initiative to learn about their company's:

• Financial performance and key metrics
• Products or services and target markets
• Competitive landscape and industry trends
• Operational challenges and opportunities

Speak the language of business. By understanding the business context, HR Warriors can:

• Contribute meaningfully to strategic discussions
• Frame HR initiatives in terms of business impact
• Anticipate future talent needs based on business forecasts
• Build credibility with leaders across the organization

9. Build trust and relationships: Foster connections with employees and leaders

Warriors create and maintain a high level of trust with employees and clients. You will often talk to employees in difficult and emotional situations, but Warriors find a way to remain strong in the face of them.

Cultivate emotional intelligence. HR Warriors develop strong interpersonal skills to:

• Listen actively and empathetically
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Navigate difficult conversations with tact and professionalism
• Build rapport with individuals at all levels of the organization

Be a trusted advisor. By consistently demonstrating integrity and competence, HR Warriors become:

• A go-to resource for employees and leaders
• A valuable partner in strategic decision-making
• A catalyst for positive organizational change
• An advocate for both employee and business needs

10. Embrace continuous learning: Stay updated on industry trends and best practices

Self-education is important for the exemplary Warrior, but the truth is, you will never know everything.

Stay current. HR Warriors commit to ongoing professional development by:

• Reading industry publications and research
• Attending conferences and networking events
• Pursuing relevant certifications and training
• Engaging in professional associations and online communities

Apply new knowledge. HR Warriors don't just accumulate information; they actively seek ways to:

• Implement best practices in their organizations
• Pilot innovative HR programs and technologies
• Share insights with colleagues and leaders
• Adapt global trends to their specific organizational context

11. Navigate emotions: Manage your own feelings and help others do the same

Warriors acknowledge and accept tumultuous environments, but they focus on the goals despite them.

Develop emotional resilience. HR work often involves dealing with highly charged situations. HR Warriors:

• Practice self-awareness and emotional regulation
• Use stress management techniques to maintain composure
• Separate personal feelings from professional responsibilities
• Model healthy emotional expression in the workplace

Support others' emotional needs. HR Warriors help create a psychologically safe work environment by:

• Providing a listening ear and empathetic support
• Offering resources for mental health and well-being
• Coaching leaders on emotional intelligence and empathy
• Designing policies and programs that promote work-life balance

12. Take charge of your career: Seek growth opportunities and overcome obstacles

The goal of every HR practitioner should be to add something to your résumé every year of your career.

Be proactive. HR Warriors don't wait for opportunities to come to them. They:

• Set clear career goals and create action plans to achieve them
• Seek out stretch assignments and new responsibilities
• Build a strong professional network within and outside their organization
• Take ownership of their professional development

Overcome challenges. When faced with obstacles or setbacks, HR Warriors:

• Maintain a positive attitude and focus on solutions
• Seek feedback and support from mentors or colleagues
• Adapt their approach based on changing circumstances
• Persevere in the face of adversity, knowing that growth often comes from overcoming challenges

Last updated: April 22, 2025