The Toughest HR Job I’ve Had? Parenting.

If you work in HR, you know that managing a high-performing team is an art. But honestly, nothing prepared me for the emotional, logistical, and highly demanding "HR department" I run at home. It’s where my professional skills go to get stress-tested daily, and the stakes are much higher than Q4 targets.

Here’s my Family Boardroom guide:


  • Performance Reviews (KPIs vs. KPFs): Forget Key Performance Indicators; we run on Key Parental Feelings. Did they eat the broccoli? Did they share the toy? The feedback is instant, often loud, and the compensation (a late-night hug) is always non-monetary but invaluable.
  • Conflict Resolution & Mediation: In the office, we have formal procedures. At home, it’s a high-stakes, real-time negotiation over the last cookie, where "I saw it first" is the most common grievance. My best practice? Active listening, a strong pivot, and a fair distribution of blame (on the missing snack).
  • Talent Management & Succession Planning: The ultimate long game. I'm developing a team that will eventually run the place without me. It requires patience that no budget line item can compensate for and a training strategy that shifts from "don't eat the dog food" to "how to file taxes."
  • Resource Allocation: In a company, it's headcount and budget. At home, it's screen time, attention, and the last clean pair of socks. The budget is always stretched, and the demand is 24/7.

The true takeaway, whether in the office or at home, is this: The foundational principles of great leadership are universal. Be clear with expectations, resolve conflict with empathy, and invest deeply in your people. The main difference? At home, I can’t fire the difficult "employee."

What’s the best "HR meets family" analogy you’ve found? Share your insights!

#HR #Leadership #Parenting #AuthenticLeadership #FamilyLife

 

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