Do this FIRST after you land your HR Department of One role

Hey hey, and welcome back to Talented Teams Consulting, LLC. I'm Bryttani, the CEO and Founder of our organization, and I'm excited to share some valuable insights with all you HR professionals out there, especially those who find themselves in the unique position of being an HR Department of One. Navigating your career in this role can be challenging, and it often leaves you wondering where to start and how to make the most of your new position.

As a seasoned HR professional with 15 years of experience, I'm dedicated to serving HR professionals like you, whether you're just getting started or looking to enhance your department's performance and contribute more effectively to your organization. If that sounds like something you're interested in, you're in the right place. Be sure to stay connected with us, no matter where you're tuning in from.

The very first thing you should do is to learn everything you can about your organization. I'm not talking about just the company's name and its leadership team. You need to dive deep into understanding what your company does, how it makes money, and the societal impact it has. This knowledge is invaluable because it will help you align your HR initiatives with the company's goals. Start this foundational work even before your first day on the job. You don't want to waste time figuring these things out when you're already on the clock.

Understanding your organization allows you to bring a well-rounded perspective to your role, going beyond the traditional HR stereotypes. It positions you as a valuable asset, someone who comprehends the business and can contribute meaningfully.

On your first day, take a look at the organizational chart. Who are your managers, and how many levels of management exist? Are you reporting directly to the CEO, CFO, or another executive? How many employees does your organization have, and in what regions does it operate? This information is crucial for building relationships and trust within your team. You'll need to connect with people, understand their needs, and build bridges to ensure a smooth transition.

Being an HR Department of One professional means you must build trust within your organization. Get to know your colleagues by attending meetings, organizing listening sessions, and finding ways to connect with them. Trust is the foundation of your success. People trust those they connect with, so building those connections is essential.

Side note - Believe in yourself!

It's natural to feel nervous, but remember that you were chosen for this role because you have the skills and potential. Shift those limiting beliefs and focus on your capabilities. Embrace the opportunity to grow and thrive in your HR Department of One role.

Whether you're starting an HR department from scratch or following someone else's work, review your processes. How is payroll handled? What benefits do you offer, if any? Who are your providers? How is compensation and performance management managed? Understand the current state of processes before introducing any changes. Your goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible for your team, considering their comfort with the existing processes.

Lastly, approach your role with intention. Why are you here? What impact do you want to make? Your clarity of purpose will guide your actions and ensure that the work you do not only becomes visible but is of the highest quality.

Your journey as an HR Department of One will have its challenges, but it will also be filled with rewarding and productive days. Remember to focus on building trust, understanding your organization, and working with intention to optimize your department and benefit your organization.

If this has been helpful to you, please leave a reaction below, and don't hesitate to reach out to us. As we move into 2024, I'll be taking on a select group of one-on-one clients. If you're interested, reach out to me for more details.

Thank you for joining us, and I look forward to sharing more valuable insights in our future blog posts and videos. Until next time, take care!

~ Bryttani