As quickly as our world is changing, many things remain the same. Yes, TV has morphed into tablets and small screens. Telephones are now for texting. Networking is all about social media. But many of our everyday business activities are timeless. Technology may come into play, but it can’t replace collaboration, confidence, caring, connecting and checking. These are the pillars of HR and recruiting.

• Collaboration. “When it comes to collaboration, people are your best resource.” That’s according to CNBC.com’s Donny Deutsch. He says collaboration trumps competition in our new business landscape. Deutsch explains that it takes courage to move from the self-serving, “What’s in it for me?” mentality to a shared sense of purpose, or ‘we’ mentality. Another important aspect of collaboration is trust, which Deutsch maintains brings about a framework for free thinking. These days, open dialogues trump top-down directives and the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. And collaboration is at work when virtual teams from around the world engage and invite diversity.

• Confidence. HR pros must exude confidence in their organizations, hiring practices, policies, leadership and decisions. Not too much pressure, right? First-class HR leaders understand the fine line between confidence and arrogance. Somewhere in the middle lies humility. These are timeless human attributes that technology can’t touch. And rightfully so.

• Caring. When you first ventured into the world of HR, you quickly learned that recruiting and retention require you to be the keeper of secrets. Yes, there are federal laws protecting the privacy of employee medical issues and personnel matters, but the real professionals in HR know that a sense of compassion is needed when interacting with other people. Would you agree that emotions trump policies? This could make for a lively lunchtime conversation.

• Connecting. Referrals, networking, and engaged employees all help bring talents and resources to your door. In HR, there’s also a great deal of time making other connections: Connecting employees with services like employee assistance programs, connecting associates and colleagues with vendors, and connecting with people by collaborating and caring.

• Checking. This is not about direct deposits and bank routing numbers. This is about checking candidate references, checking in with employees who may be having a rough time, checking your opportunities, and checking the new tools that are available to help you and your organization be more successful. The most important checking you will likely do: Checking your attitude.

As Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

Link to original postOriginally published on MonsterThinking