Women in Human Resource (HR) leadership roles have been urged to lead with a purpose in order to attain an all-inclusive impact.
They are to ensure this by daring to set a difference, maintaining trust, building on their capacities, promoting collaborations and carrying along others on their career journey.
Mrs Abena Osei-Poku, Managing Director, Absa Bank Ghana Limited, said this at the Seventh Women in HR conference in Accra on Tuesday.
“Lead with a purpose in your businesses and personal lives by making a difference in your organisation in Ghana and everywhere because there are no limits now. It is more than just a day’s talk so build and maintain trust,” she stated.
“Focus on not just making meaning out of others but build on your capacity, promote collaboration, let your voice be heard over and beyond your immediate environment and when you have such opportunities don’t go alone but pull somebody along,” she added.
Noting that women had a versatile nature and could juggle a lot of activities, Mrs Osei-Poku further called on women in HR leadership positions to give room for young women to learn on the job by creating opportunities, such as internships for them.
“You know one of the unique traits we have as women is our ability to multi-task, to take on additional responsibilities, to nurture others and make people feel included. This is the time to use it,” she said.
“Intentionally create room and opportunities for all women as you grow in your career by reaching out to young ladies maybe intentionally in institutions who are studying HR and you can mentor them, coach them, and counsel them in their career aspirations and choices,” she added.
The Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana Limited emphasised that though the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had tremendous effects on all, the role of HR leaders had helped in resuscitating organisations.
The Second Vice President of GEA, Mrs Victoria Hajar, underscored the change in the role of HR personnel due to the advent of the COVID-19.
According to Mrs Hajar, “with COVID-19, the role of HR now includes acting as a nurse, diplomat, regulatory expert and technology liaison, among others.”
“During this time of major upheaval and uncertainty, HR Practitioners are the ones having daily, if not hourly, conversations with leadership along with several experts and vendors on how best to navigate a situation that none could have fathomed,” she added.
Mrs Hajar also used the opportunity to call for a redefinition of the profession, stating that “going forward, it will be imperative that HR leaders tame all COVID-19 apprehensions, envision the future and regulate expectations at the workplace.”
Held on the theme ‘Redefining HR Leadership in the Pandemic Era,’ the Women in HR Conference would provide a unique platform for female HR practitioners across all sectors of the economy to share ideas and experiences to enhance organisational performance and career prospects of participants.
BY ABIGAIL ARTHUR
