Last week we hosted HCM Tech Advisory’s first webinar panel, “What I Wish I Knew Earlier in My HR Career.” What made this session stand out was how open and honest it became. The lessons weren’t just about HR. They apply to any career or field, and the real challenges we all face along the way.
Across different industries, org cultures, and roles, our panelists brought stories we could all relate to. The times they doubted themselves, missed something obvious, or just didn’t know what they didn’t know. These lessons weren’t just about HR. They were about leadership, influence, confidence, and navigating change without losing yourself.
We covered a lot, but here are the key themes that stood out and the reminders we all wished we had earlier in our careers.
Leadership Is Clarity, Not Compliance
Trying to keep the peace will burn you out fast. We all learned, and sometimes the hard way, that leadership is about making decisions, not making everyone happy.
That means saying no when needed, setting expectations, and explaining the “why.” The goal is not to avoid conflict. The goal is to move forward with intention.
Whether you’re managing a team or leading a project, people are not looking for perfection. They are looking for direction.
Influence Is Built, Not Given
Influence isn’t about having a title. It’s about building trust over time.
That starts with understanding what matters to the people you support. Ask questions. Listen well. Follow through. When you consistently connect your work to broader business goals, leaders start to bring you in earlier and lean on you more often.
If you want a seat at the table, meet decision-makers where they are. Speak their language:
- What’s the challenge?
- What’s the solution?
- Why does it matter to the business?
When your input feels aligned and actionable, your voice carries further.
Relationships Carry Your Career
This came up again and again. Build relationships on purpose.
We all wished we’d learned earlier how important it is to build real connections at every stage of a career. Not just professionally, but personally. Ask about their kids. What they do on weekends. What matters to them.
Relationships build trust. They make work easier. They open doors years down the line, whether you’re at the same company or not.
Inside the organization, relationships give you credibility. Outside, they carry your career forward. If you’re only focused on the work, you’re missing what actually makes the work move.
You Don’t Have to Be a “People Person” to Be Great in HR
There’s a quiet pressure in HR to always be on – to be cheerful, outgoing, and emotionally available. But not everyone in HR is wired that way. And that’s okay.
You don’t have to love constant interaction to lead well. Some of the best HR professionals are the ones who listen more than they talk. The ones who don’t speak first, but always speak with care.
Being great in HR isn’t about being a people person. It’s about being the right kind of person for the moment. Honest. Grounded. Present.
Strategy Is a Journey, Not an Event
We’ve all had projects go sideways because we tried to do too much too fast. Overbuilding. Overexplaining. Missing the audience.
The lesson? Start small. Check in often. Bring people with you.
Good strategy isn’t just about what you plan. It’s about how you pace it. Understand your stakeholders. Get feedback early. Stay flexible. That’s how you build something that lasts.
Final Thoughts
This conversation was about growth, trust, and the quiet lessons that shape a career.
We can’t go back and change what we didn’t know. But we can pay it forward by sharing what we’ve learned and helping others feel a little less alone.
Watch the full replay here.
HCM Tech Advisory has over 20 years of experience and expertise in HR consulting, with a focus in employee benefits administration and HR technology. To learn more or request a complimentary consulting review, contact us at info@hcmtechadvisory.com.
