Crucial Success Skills Forged Through My Journey
Some of the key skills that I have developed over a period of time are adaptability, problem-solving, a more effective way of communicating and influencing considering the range of stakeholders I need to reach out to, Business acumen and Continuous Learning.
Adaptability : Being able to adapt to new situations, technologies, and challenges is crucial for success. In my current org, we are undergoing a phase of transition. We are changing gears in terms of business and that requires change in culture. As a HR leader, I have to spearhead this change and hence adaptability becomes a very important characteristic that I display and help to inculcate in others as well. It is the only way to move forward in the VUCA world.
Problem Solving : The ability to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions is fundamental in almost every field. It is even more relevant when I double hat as HR Lead and own Business deliverables as well. We have a mix of people who have been in the organization for the last 10-15 years and some who have joined us in the last 1-2 years. This unique blend of people poses multiple challenges. The ability to creatively solve problems has helped me to get people with different ideologies and thoughts to work towards common goals.
Communication and Influencing : Effective communication skills are essential for conveying ideas, building relationships, and collaborating with others. Whether it's presenting findings to a team, negotiating with other business heads. This is a skill which I have been able to develop and display effectively over the years. Being able to communicate keeping the target audience in mind and presenting thoughts to ensure their mindshare has become second nature whether its through emails, presentations or discussions.
Business Acumen : It is very important to understand the business model and success Leadership - Leadership involves setting a vision, empowering team members, and guiding them towards common goals. In a project management scenario, a skilled leader can inspire team members, resolve conflicts, and ensure tasks are completed on time and within budget. In my role in SLIC I have successfully ensured new leadership is brought on board, inducted and performed well along side the existing teams.
Crafting Creative Opportunities from Every Challenge
Approaching adversity requires a combination of mindset, principles, and strategies.
My approach to adversity involves maintaining a resilient mindset, adhering to guiding principles such as positivity and adaptability, and drawing insights from the challenges I encounter. Through this approach, I've learned valuable lessons that have helped me grow personally and professionally. When faced with challenges and adversities my approach is to take a step back, understand the issue on hand by listening to all stakeholders, analysing the probable solutions and its impact. Basis a complete cause and effect analysis arrive at a solution and take it to execution with help of the team.
I have always focused on creating a ecosystem around me that would consist of people I can reach out to for valuable inputs, bouncing ideas, seeking support and guidance apart from relying on them to be there through thick and thin. This also gives me the confidence to handle adverse situations, take risks and constantly focus on stretching my limits. I also spend considerable time in learning from stories of successful leaders and use my knowledge effectively to focus on creating more and more value and not dwell on the challenges.
My Impact
I have been fortunate to work with some very capable leaders who I have been able to look up to and those who have trusted me and invested in developing my skills as a professional and as a leader. The opportunities provided to me outside my comfort zone have been crucial in my journey to become an HR head. I work consciously on being a mentor to young professionals and sharing my learnings and empowering them to challenge themselves and support their career through the ups and downs to develop great team players and future leaders. I walk the talk and show them the importance of becoming an integral part of business and not be seen as just a support function.
I provide cross-functional exposure and invest in training and coaching of the HR team in a manner which is similar to business teams to provide them with equal opportunities for success and recognition. There have been many professionals in functions across HR, Sales, Operations amongst others whom I have worked with in multiple organizations as we together believe in building momentum and creating communities of professionals with high work ethics, with genuine care for each other and a vision to succeed in every challenging situation.
Scaling New Heights in Personal and Professional Triumphs
For me success is about delivering on org expectations from my role while also constantly raising the bar and creating opportunities for sustainable growth. I have never focused on my role/designation in isolation and believed in harnessing the potential of myself and others in a manner that we take collective accountability of business deliverables and give our best to the org.
It is my passion to learn, process and engage with colleagues and my seniors on a regular level to ideate and create workable cross-functional solutions that I have been able to create a unique space for myself. I currently not only lead the HR function, but also the digital channel and am part of the core strategy team, thereby contributing to the org goals at multiple levels without limitations.
The Synergy Between My Path and Recognition Values
I believe a leader in the current times needs to have a transformative thought process and overcome challenges on the way in the growth journey. This is what the Wahstory recognition also symbolizes and values. From starting my career in Operations to becoming an HR head for 3000+ employees with a 20 member team and managing a sales team and strategy, it has been a truly transformative journey for me with resistance from the external world to my own battles in the mind of where my conviction and strength really lies.
I have taken calculated risks, shown strategic agility with my choices and contributions while creating friendships that go beyond work and continue way after we cease to be colleagues. Whatever be the setbacks, pushbacks and challenges, I have been able to focus on aspects I believe in and through in-depth knowledge and ability to express my point of view I have been able to create considerable impact in all roles and establish a culture of constant learning, camaraderie and business success.