When you are living your calling, it’s more than a job, it’s a passion.
The Introduction
Beyond the Job Description: Living My Calling as a Human Resource Manager
Have you ever paused to consider the weight that people carry into the workplace? The struggles they battle behind their professional facades? One ordinary day, a simple question—”How are you doing?”—opened the door to an extraordinary moment.
A delivery man stood before my desk, his eyes searching my face, waiting for a response to the weighty story he had just shared. Overcome by his burdens, he had poured out his struggles, unable to contain himself. His tired eyes, disheveled appearance, and hurried dress spoke volumes. In that moment, I had only seconds to decide how to respond.
“Have a seat,” I said. “I’m truly sorry to hear about your ordeal. Thank you for showing up for work and doing your best.” I reached for my handbag. “I hope this can help.”
Something incredible happened next. The exhaustion lifted from his face, his posture straightened, and life returned to his eyes. He beamed. “Thank you. Thank you. You don’t know what this means to me.”
I sat in silence after he left, reflecting. What had just happened? Was this my true purpose? What if my vocation as an HR professional extended beyond policies and paperwork? What if my calling was to make a difference in people’s lives?
The Beginning of My Journey
I never envisioned myself as a Human Resource Manager. I had initially pursued a career in telecommunications, but a series of unexpected events led me down this path. From the outset, I was determined to be more than just a corporate enforcer—I wanted to embody the balance between the company’s interests and the well-being of its employees.
Every day, I get to do what makes my heart sing. I have the privilege of advocating for people, influencing policies for the greater good, unlocking hidden potential, and creating a space where employees feel seen, valued, and empowered.
We often hear about the life-changing impact of teachers on students, but rarely do we discuss the profound influence HR professionals have on employees. In my role, I have been a mentor, coach, counselor, friend, and, at times, judge and jury. My goal is to build up, strengthen, encourage, and support every person who crosses my path.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
My Worst Hiring Decision—And the Lessons It Taught Me
Even the most experienced professionals have those “Had I known” moments. For me, it was a hiring decision that became one of my greatest learning experiences.
I remember the interviews clearly—none of the candidates resonated with me, so I delayed making a selection. Then, weeks later, a candidate, whom I’ll call Barbara, leveraged a personal connection to get a second chance. Against my gut feeling, I hired her.
Six months in, I knew I had made a mistake. Instead of letting her go, I extended her probation, hoping she would improve. A year later, my doubts intensified, yet I confirmed her in the position. Shortly after, her behavior deteriorated, and I was forced to terminate her employment. That’s when my nightmare began. Barbara unleashed a wave of personal attacks, threats to my family, and attempts to tarnish my reputation.
Since that experience, hiring has never been just a formality for me. It’s like a marriage—I don’t commit unless I’m certain. I’ve learned to trust my intuition, and I’m now more decisive in making tough calls early on rather than delaying the inevitable.
The Power of Perspective in Employee Relations
I believe how we say things is more powerful than what we say. Disciplinary conversations, when handled with empathy, can transform lives.
One day, a supervisor called to report that an employee, Bret, was refusing to follow instructions. Instead of ordering immediate disciplinary action, I asked for a conversation.
When Bret entered my office, he was nervous. Instead of diving into reprimands, I began with small talk. We laughed, and the tension eased. I listened to his frustrations and then gently offered a different perspective:
“You’re being asked to take on extra tasks because you excel at what you do. Whether you stay with this company or move on, your daily actions determine how you’ll be remembered. Do you want to be known as a team player or as someone who merely got by?”
His face lit up. “I never thought of it like that.” He left my office with a smile and a renewed attitude. Since that conversation, he never avoided me again. Instead, I received warm greetings and respect.
HR: More Than Policies and Paperwork
Many people see HR as a place of scolding and reprimands. I strive to change that. Regardless of why someone enters my office, my goal is for them to leave feeling valued and understood.
One day, Mr. Jason, a senior employee, knocked on my door. His voice was steady, but his spirit was broken. He shared his pain—his marriage was crumbling, and he was devastated. “Tell me how to handle this heartbreak,” he pleaded.
Studies hadn’t prepared me for this moment. But life had. I couldn’t tell him what to do, but I shared how I had navigated similar pain. I assured him that healing would come with time and that forgiveness would eventually set him free. From that day, he became one of my strongest allies. In his vulnerability, I was able to be vulnerable with him.
Then there was Alan. His supervisor reported that he was harming himself. I found him and invited him for a walk. Back in my office, I simply asked, “How are you?”
Tears welled in his eyes as he opened up. I didn’t have perfect words, so I offered what I knew best: prayer. When we finished, I suggested professional help, framing it as a resource I had personally used. He accepted. That day, the best I could offer Alan wasn’t just HR guidance—it was spiritual support.
A Calling, Not Just a Career
As fate would have it, my career has taken me across borders, allowing me to live out my calling both at home and abroad. My role isn’t just about policies, performance, or compliance—it’s about people. It’s about seeing individuals as more than their job titles and recognizing the burdens they carry. It’s about being human.
On most days, employees don’t need a corporate enforcer—they need someone to care. And being able to do that has been my greatest reward.
What About You?
- Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you?
- Do you love what you do?
- Have you found a way to integrate your faith and calling into your work?
Let’s talk. Share your thoughts in the comments. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 of this series!
“Things that make my hear sing.“