Book Review: The Essential HR Handbook

So, you're thinking that maybe you'd like to be in Human Resources. You want to know more about the "must knows" of the profession. Yes? Well then, I have a book for you.

The Essential HR Handbook by Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell is a cut-to-the-chase tell-me what-I-need-to-know primer that offers 12 chapters of human resource information, each touching on an element of human resources.

Peppered with right-on quotes at the beginning of each chapter, this handbook "provides practical information, tools and techniques to help managers and HR professionals excel."

From strategic planning and mission statements to employee relations and diversity the authors provide a variety of checklists, forms and tables to assist the reader with process. Links, letters and laws (with the required caveats and disclaimers) provide the reader with further reading, reasoning and resources.

The managers mantra in the Employee Relations chapter consists of six simple words: when you see it, say it. After reading a chapter, any chapter, the reader will walk away with something to say on each of the topics. Don't have time to read a chapter on a topic but looking for some talking points quickly? Flip to the last page of each chapter. Each chapter ends with a Main Message for Managers that provides an important point or framework from the chapter to remember.

Read it front to back or pick out a specific chapter on a specific topic, you can tailor this book to your individual needs. While this is not a book I would have on my bookshelf for my own personal reference at this point in my career, it is one I would have at arms length when talking with someone interested in learning more about the profession.

People new to HR and managers new in their role are the target audience and the ones who will find the most value in this book. If that's you, this guide will help you get your head around concepts, provide you with a broad understanding of select human resource principles and practices and offer you help you to frame up the right questions to ask.

So, what do you think? I think you will find it helpful.

You can find out more about this book on it's website as well as information on other books authored by Sharon Armstrong at Sharon Armstrong and Associates.

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3 Thoughts From a New HR Professional

This Guest Post is authored by Ben Eubanks, an HR professional who loves to write and enjoys giving and receiving career advice.

Leaping into a field like HR is quite interesting. I’ve only been doing this for a short while, but I can tell that it’s like nothing else out there. We take problems and make them our own. We sometimes have the thankless job of policing and cleaning up after poor employee behaviors.

But then there’s the other side of the equation. We fix problems. Help people to love their jobs. Reward people for performing exemplary work. Guide employees along their career paths toward a rich, satisfying future. Sure, HR has its quirks, but by keeping a few ideas in mind, your work can be more fulfilling, exciting, and engaging.

Enthusiasm is Essential

I often get complimented on my enthusiasm. It’s a product of many things—from my fresh perspective to my desire to learn everything right now. Enthusiasm is essential not only in the early years, but in the later ones as well. What good is having all of those years of experience if you’ve turned into a curmudgeon? Having the right blend of knowledge and enthusiasm turns you into a credible advocate for the profession as a whole. Plus, it can help you to inspire others.

Humor is Handy

Humor is handy in so many different situations. I think that’s one thing that sets me apart from so many HR professionals. Growing up in a small business with parents who injected liberal doses of humor into the workplace prepared me for my role in HR. Sure, I can be funny, but it’s nothing for me to step into a serious role as required. Being able to laugh (especially at yourself) will go a long way toward increasing your longevity in regards to both career and physical health. Sharing that humor will make you stand out.

Maintenance is Mandatory

Like a marriage or a flower, proper care will help your HR career to flourish. Continually seeking new ways to innovate in the workplace will make you more valuable to the organization, and going out of your way to network with other professionals on Twitter or LinkedIn can make quite a difference in your own career in the long run. Keep in mind that the HR field changes very often, and it’s up to you to face that challenge head on. Be competent and current in what matters to you and your organization, and you will be highly valued by the leadership.

Of course, like much that I write, these HR thoughts can be applied to both new professionals and veterans, but that doesn’t mean they are any less true. Keeping enthusiasm, humor, and a “maintenance mindset” will mean that a young professional won’t be as likely to get burned out, and they could help a seasoned veteran along toward a stellar career.

Ben writes his own blog, UpstartHR. True to his words, Ben is enthusiastic, funny and focused and he is developing quite a presence on line. Did I mention he has energy?  Subscribe to his blog and follow him on Twitter to (try to) keep up with him. 

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