14 characteristics of the ideal HR leader

What would my list of important characteristics of HR leaders look like?

The top of my list, not necessarily in order of importance:

 

  1. A good HR professional, with a broad view on the profession.
  2. Is independent.
  3. Has a very good relation with CEO and other members of the top team.
  4. Has a clear vision, and is able to articulate the vision.
  5. Business orientation, and more, loves the business she/ he works in.
  6. Is creative and innovative.
  7. Is able to design and implement high impact HR interventions.
  8. Is a change agent and loves change.
  9. Has a great ability to influence others, including the CEO.
  10. Has a strong network she/he can utilize.
  11. Has a global orientation and international experience.
  12. Is a people person.
  13. Can attract and challenge talent.
  14. Can deal with ambiguity.

Personally I would also like a person with a good sense of humor, who does not take the HR profession too seriously.

www.hrtrendinstitute.com

Read more

Latest News

Read More

Revealed – unbelievable real workplace safety fails

3 July 2025

Newsletter

Receive the latest HR news and strategic content

Please note, as per the GDPR Legislation, we need to ensure you are ‘Opted In’ to receive updates from ‘theHRDIRECTOR’. We will NEVER sell, rent, share or give away your data to third parties. We only use it to send information about our products and updates within the HR space To see our Privacy Policy – click here

Latest HR Jobs

Queen Mary University of London – Health and Safety DirectorateSalary: £43,677 to £51,040 per annum

University of Cambridge – Human Resources DivisionSalary: £33,482 to £39,355 per annum

University of Cambridge – Department of PathologySalary: £35,116 to £45,413 per annum

University of Exeter – PS ConnectSalary: The starting salary will be from £27,644 per annum pro rata on Grade D, depending on qualifications and experience.

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE