Question

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the HR policies, practices and/or strategies in organization, team working and leadership.

Answer 1

The organization’s role in human resource policies and strategies

· The organization invites its HR director to be part of the senior management group. The organization has HR policies and strategies founded on the principle of fairness.

· This means fair rules, procedures and decisions that are applied fairly in each individual staff member’s case. Interpersonal communication is characterized by honesty, respect, dignity and politeness.

· The organization develops, implements and evaluates HR policies and strategies that are intended to create a positive work environment. Leadership underpinned by effective HR policies and strategies is a driving force in creating a positive work environment in the organization.

· The organization promotes the importance of HR policies and strategies, particularly those relating to work relationships and acceptance of diversity, to all levels of the organization.

· The organization regularly monitors and reviews critical HR performance indicators including the quality of work relationships, staff wellbeing, organizational justice, openness to diversity and emotional climate.

· The organization undertakes research to evaluate, monitor and develop staff.

The manager’s role in human resource policies and strategies

· Managers implement fair HR policies and strategies with the support of HR specialists.

· Managers use the performance management system to develop and evaluate their team’s ability to form positive work relationships.

· Managers use training as a means of cultivating, motivating and retaining quality staff and promoting positive work relationships, acceptance of diversity and fair practices.

· Managers interact with their staff fairly. They are polite, honest and treat staff with respect and dignity.

The individual’s role in human resource policies and strategies

In the ideal situation:

· Individuals negotiate flexible work arrangements with their manager to balance their work and private commitments. They believe processes and decisions are fair.

· Individuals conform to the HR policies and procedures that cover interactions with colleagues and clients, such as the code of conduct.

· Individuals have trust and confidence in their colleagues, managers and the organization. They feel included in the team, treated the same as others, and able to raise their concerns safely. All interactions with colleagues and managers are respectful.

· Individuals feel that rewards for good performance are meaningful.

The litmus test for human resource policies and strategies

Some important questions to ask about your organization:

· Is the HR Manager a valued member of the senior management group?

· Do the HR policies and strategies contribute to a positive work environment or have unintended consequences?

· Does feedback from managers and staff inform the regular development and review of HR policies and strategies?

· Are the HR policies and strategies sufficiently flexible to accommodate differing situations and circumstances?

Measures

Measures that may be useful for confirming the quick check tool results or monitoring cultural change could include:

· Flexible work hours rate

· Gender staffing breakdown

These best practices are:

1. Providing security to employees

2. Selective hiring: Hiring the right people

3. Self-managed and effective teams

4. Fair and performance-based compensation/li>

5. Training in relevant skills

6. Creating a flat and egalitarian organization

7. Making information easily accessible to those who need it

LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING

“Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.”

Leadership is very hard to define, but easy to notice when it is lacking. Effective leadership involves:

• motivation
• open communication
• effective delegation
• decision making
• being consistent
• being prepared to deal with issues and confronting situations
• involving the team in decisions while being prepared to make tough decisions
• being able to admit you are wrong if necessary
• Leaving your ego at home!

The importance of teamwork and leadership

Teamwork and leadership Together provide clarity for your team and have a direct impact on the vision of the company.

Here are ten ways to help your team do better.

1. Foster open and honest communication

2. Create collaborative goals

3. Celebrate their success

4. Allow team members to problem solve

5. Provide adequate resources and training

6. Keep yourself accountable

7. Keep your eye on the big picture

8. Show some empathy

9. Build strong one-on-one relationships

10. Build respect