by Alan Collins – http://successinhr.com/step-up-your-hr-game

Are you ready to step up your HR game?Do you think this article — which consists of nothing but QUESTIONS — could help you do that?Well, I do, but why don’t YOU be the judge by giving me your opinion by commenting below once you finish reading it, okay?Should we begin?I’m ready, are you?

1. How’s your HR career going?
Is it going as well as you would like it to? Do you think you could improve it right now?Are you having fun? Are you satisfied with the size of your paycheck?If you were forced to, what ONE THING would you do right now that could move your HR career to the next level?

Would you improve your knowledge of your business and financial intelligence?Would you broaden your global HR experience by accepting an international assignment (e.g. Brazil, Russia, India, China or elsewhere)?If you’re a generalist, would you consider a specialist assignment?If you’re a specialist, would you consider moving into a generalist role?Should you be broadening your skills as an HR leader?
Should you be planning to deepen your competencies in compensation? In labor relations? In talent management? In managing projects?

Or is it time to consider going independent as a consultant, coach, headhunter or entrepreneur?Are you willing to commit to doing it today?If you are willing, will you write it down right now, so you don’t forget?

2. Are you using your HR talents to the max in your current role?
Have you ever stopped and thought about how much you really already know in HR? Isn’t it impressive?
Can you imagine how different your life might be if you fully utilized ALL your HR knowledge? Are you doing that in the role you’re in now?If not, why aren’t you? If you had to choose, would you say it’s due to organization constraints, your fear of failure or just procrastination?

If it is procrastination, could you commit to doing that one thing that’ll improve your career (the one I asked you to write down earlier) as soon as you’ve finished commenting on this article?

3. Are you marketing yourself and showcasing your HR accomplishments enough on quality products?Do you recognize how much value you’re adding to your organization?Does your boss recognize this? Is he or she a career advocate for you?

What about their boss? What about anyone else who could potentially be your next boss…do they know about how valuable you really are? Don’t you think they should? Because if they did, wouldn’t they be in a better position to help move your HR career along?On a separate note, how engaged are you outside of your organization?

Are you involved in outside HR associations and business networks? Do you regularly have lunch with people who could potentially provide you with your next HR job?Is your LinkedIn profile up to date?

4. Have you ever thought about ways to package your HR experience to promote your HR career even more?
Do you write well? What about writing a book on what you know in HR? Not enough time? Have you checked out Write Your Own HR Book Fast?What about crafting a short 5-10 page report on something you do well? Still time strapped? Have your checked out Your HR Goldmine?What about writing an article on a recent HR project you got rave reviews on?Do you blog?

Not a writer, ok – can you speak?Could you put together a short presentation that showcases your expertise?Do you already have a nice power point deck on a project you’ve already completed?
Could you take that same presentation, adapt it and present it other audiences to position yourself as an authority on that topic?Could you present it at “lunch & learns” to share your expertise with groups inside or outside your organization?

Could you present it at local SHRM or HR association gatherings?Could you turn it into a YouTube video (minus the confidential info)?Do you think any of this would enhance your HR reputation and visibility?
Do you think an enhanced reputation in HR with more people could open up additional opportunities for you?

5. Are you trying to go it alone in your HR career?
Are you aware that lone rangers don’t make it far up the HR food chain?Are you associating and learning from HR folks who are playing a bigger game than you are? Did you know that by doing this, it helps you move your OWN game upwards?Who are your mentors? What experienced HR advisors are you tapping into?
Do you have a godfather? Do you know why you need one? If not, have you checked out this article?
Who can you let your hair down with?Who do you trust to give you candid career feedback?
Are you pleased with the size of your network?How many headhunters know you by name?
What existing relationships do you already have that you are allowing to get stale? What new relationships or networks should you be building right now?Think this isn’t important, then answer this question: if you suddenly got pink slipped, who would you turn to?

What do you think about asking yourself these simple questions every six months…and then TAKING ACTION on the results?Would your HR career trajectory be different? Do you think it would help you step up your game? If so, does it make sense to schedule an appointment with yourself now to go through these questions…seriously?So, what do you think? Was this question-based article helpful?

Before you go, can you do two small favors for me?

1. Would you share your comments on this article by clicking HERE?
2. Can you pass this article on to others who might benefit from it and ask them what they think too?
Would you mind if I thanked you in advance?