Originally I thought that HR was the middle person between management and staff, team members
Diane Perodmo, HR Manager, Regional Health Care Group
Why did you get into HR?
Originally I thought that HR acted as the middleman between management and staff. However, it is much more than that: HR can have a powerful impact on influencing management to improve work conditions, culture and communications for all.
How did you get into HR?
I started working around different areas of HR such as payroll, performance management, award interpretation, training, writing policies and moved on to leading a team of HR generalists.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
The company I currently work for has an executive team that is without doubt the most innovative and inspiring group I have worked with. The HR presence is not yet at that level or capacity. However I am working closely with our executive team who have been supportive of my suggestions and decisions. Within the next five years HR will have a bigger focus.
What’s your career high?
About 10 years ago I was promoted to lead a team of HR generalists. I was so passionate about getting my team to be the best in the company. The team challenged me on ways to improve our projects, which sometimes meant we had to change direction. This was a steep learning curve for me, and I learned a lot about managing people and that managers need to be challenged to use their experience and knowledge to keep improving.
What does it take to succeed in HR?
Keep questioning: it takes a lot of confidence, courage and tenacity as there is still an attitude within some industries that HR is all about hiring and firing. Never lose sight of what you are trying to achieve, and get as much knowledge about the different facets of HR. For me starting off in payroll was a great way to learn about awards, legislation and reporting requirements managers and HR need, and understanding the business.
Your biggest professional inspiration?
In a previous retail life, I worked with the national learning and development consultant who was working full time, studying at university and implementing new cultural change initiatives for an organisation. She has gone from strength to strength in her career, and has always inspired and challenged me to look at situations and issues with an open mind. Our favourite expression is “it’s only a moment in time”.
What advice would you give to graduates considering a career in HR?
Join a HR networking group, subscribe to HR magazines and e-zines, start using the language, get to know HR recruiters, try and talk to as many people in HR. If you are thinking of specialising in a certain HR area – training for example –join the AITD and continue learning.
