12: Become an HR Leader, Instead of an HR Follower

Today we’re diving into a question that could completely transform how you view your role within your organization: Are you an HR Leader or an HR Follower? Now, before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify what I mean by this. I’m not talking about your title or your level of authority. I’m talking about your approach, your mindset, and the way you show up in your work every single day. Are you proactively shaping the direction of your HR career, or are you waiting to be told what to do? To bring this to life, let me share an embarrassing fact. My husband and I love to dance—well, he loves to dance, and I love to think I can lead. A few weeks ago, we were at a social event, and as we were dancing, I could tell we were out of sync. He kept pulling me in one direction, and I kept trying to go another. Finally, he stopped mid-dance and said, "Would you quite trying to lead!” In that moment, I realized how true it was—on the dance floor, as in life, someone needs to lead for things to flow smoothly. And here's the thing: in the workplace, especially in HR, we often find ourselves in a similar dance. The question is, are you following someone else’s lead or are you taking charge of your own HR career, shaping your team’s direction, and creating a strategic presence at the executive table?Kristen Wade helps HR professionals  who want to reach the executive level,to stop putting out fires and become more strategic with their time. For individual support, apply for Kristen's Signature Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you to a free discovery call.Or if you're ready to ensure your unique values shine, grab a Personal Branding Strategy Session with Kristen here.