What it means to be a People Professional
A professional is an individual who engages in a specific profession often with the goal of getting compensated rather than a way to pass time (Oxford.E.D., n.d). A people professional is responsible for the development of a positive and productive organisational culture, the management of talent, and the promotion of business success through the implementation of effective human capital strategies (Syrigou & Williams, 2023). Professionals are also members of professional associations that play a critical role in shaping, developing and regulating professionals. For people professionals one such body is the CIPD. Through becoming members of bodies like the CIPD members stand benefits of networking opportunities, being at per with industry trends, certifications, and career development opportunities. All of these help a people professional stand out in front of recruiters. Additionally, these bodies regulate professional behavior by stating regulatory guidelines on how professionals should behave.
The CIPD Professional Map provides a comprehensive framework that delineates the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are anticipated of people professionals at various stages of their professions. It offers a structured approach to professional development for individuals in people management positions, such as HR, learning and development (L&D), and organisational development (OD) (CIPD, 2024).
The CIPD Professional Map
The map is divided into two primary components:
Core Knowledge
HR professionals must have a deep comprehension of effective employee management, growth, and engagement. This includes proficiency in performance management, employee development, talent management, and recruitment (CIPD, 2024). Moreover, they play a crucial role in the cultivation and maintenance of an organisation’s culture. It is imperative for them to understand the influence of corporate values, ethics, and behavior on the workplace and to cultivate a positive culture. Furthermore, they must comprehend the wider corporate environment in which they function. This entails aligning HR strategy with business objectives to deliver measurable benefit to the enterprise (CIPD, 2024).
Core Behaviors
The CIPD Professional Map delineates the fundamental behaviors necessary for success in the roles of human resource professionals. These behaviors guarantee individuals possess the necessary information, engage ethically, foster relationships, and generate quantifiable results (CIPD, 2024). Human Resources professionals are responsible for upholding ethical standards and demonstrating integrity. They must sustain exemplary professional conduct and ensure all workplace interactions are equitable, diverse, and inclusive. Beyond these duties, Human Resources professionals should have the conviction to raise concerns, challenge decisions, and drive change when necessary. They are expected to advocate for optimal personnel practices, regardless of opposition. Thirdly, acknowledging the worth of individuals inside the organisation is a crucial element of personnel management responsibilities. They must guarantee that all employees have the opportunity to thrive by prioritising their growth, well-being, and engagement (CIPD, 2024).
Using the HR profession map as a framework, my duties as a people professional cover best practices in all areas. To succeed, individuals must show the behaviors and learn the knowledge described in the profession map (CIPD, 2022). As an HR professional, my duties include supervising staff, giving training and development opportunities, managing compensation and benefits, maintaining ethical standards, and making judgments based on specific situations.Conversely, recent advancements have compelled me to evaluate my competencies in alignment with “The CIPD’s Profession Map.” I recognise that there are particular domains in which I need to advance to become a competent HR professional.
