Speaking with new people about transitioning into HR has become a way for me to better understand the Human Resources professional's role. The Executive Director of East Cleveland Public Library Greg Reese found out about my career ambitions and suggested I give his friend Debra Wells a call.
Debra Wells is the Human Resources Director for Cuyahoga County Library System. After speaking to this well accomplished lady I came away with understanding the managerial side to this field.
This most qualified professional has been Director of HR with her organization since 1981. She wrote their first Affirmative Action Policy, a comprehensive training/policy manual and allowed for their organization to become automated. All application and selection processes are located online. They are the most technologically advanced library system in Ohio.
I asked Ms. Wells
"What characteristics make the best HR professionals?"
- She said the best professionals are someone who treats everyone with respect.
- You must be known to keep your word. In the end the your word and your reputation is everything.
- If you don't have thick skin you're going to need it. In this field everyone comes to you with their problems.
You must be ravenous for new information. Learn the laws, learn how and when to apply them. And most of all keep a sense of humor.
She related a joke she told while they were in a tense contract negotiation session. If you can keep people laughing it lightens up even the most tense moods.
Ms. Wells invited me to shadow her during a management training session to better understand the strategic management side of Human Resources. She also invited me to attend an IHRIM meeting with her. Let's just say I unequivocally said YES.
International Association of Human Resources Information Management is for the technical or HRIS side of HR. http://www.ihrim.org/
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