GM vs. HR

Attribute	GM	HR
Focus	Productivity and efficiency	Employee satisfaction and development
Responsibilities	Overall business strategy and operations	Recruitment, training, and employee relations
Skills	Leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving	Communication, conflict resolution, and coaching
Metrics	Revenue, profit margins, and market share	Employee turnover, engagement, and performance

Responsibilities

General Managers (GM) and Human Resources (HR) professionals both play crucial roles within an organization, but their responsibilities differ significantly. GMs are typically responsible for overseeing the overall operations of a business, including setting goals, developing strategies, and managing resources to achieve success. On the other hand, HR professionals focus on managing the human capital within the organization, including recruitment, training, performance management, and employee relations.

Decision-Making

When it comes to decision-making, GMs often have the final say on strategic and operational decisions that impact the entire organization. They are responsible for setting the direction of the company and making tough choices to ensure its success. In contrast, HR professionals are more focused on providing guidance and support to managers and employees when it comes to HR-related decisions. They may offer recommendations and insights, but the ultimate decision-making authority typically lies with the GM.

Skills and Qualifications

GMs and HR professionals require different skill sets and qualifications to excel in their respective roles. GMs often have a strong background in business management, with skills in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and decision-making. They may have a degree in business administration or a related field, along with years of experience in management roles. On the other hand, HR professionals typically have a background in human resources, organizational development, or a related field. They possess skills in recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and HR compliance. Many HR professionals hold certifications such as SHRM-CP or PHR to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

Communication

Effective communication is essential for both GMs and HR professionals to succeed in their roles. GMs must be able to communicate their vision and goals to employees, stakeholders, and customers to ensure alignment and buy-in. They also need strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and resolve conflicts within the organization. HR professionals, on the other hand, must excel in communication to effectively recruit, train, and engage employees. They often serve as a liaison between employees and management, providing guidance and support on HR-related matters.

Performance Evaluation

GMs and HR professionals are often involved in the performance evaluation process within an organization, but their roles in this process differ. GMs are typically responsible for evaluating the performance of their direct reports and setting goals for their teams. They may also be evaluated by the board of directors or executive leadership based on the overall performance of the organization. HR professionals, on the other hand, are often responsible for developing and implementing performance evaluation processes, providing training and support to managers on conducting evaluations, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Collaboration

Collaboration is key for both GMs and HR professionals to achieve success within an organization. GMs must collaborate with other leaders, departments, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and drive the organization towards its goals. They may also work closely with HR professionals to develop and implement HR strategies that support the overall business objectives. HR professionals, on the other hand, collaborate with managers, employees, and external partners to recruit top talent, develop training programs, and create a positive work environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GMs and HR professionals play distinct but complementary roles within an organization. While GMs focus on overall business operations and strategic decision-making, HR professionals are responsible for managing the human capital and ensuring a positive work environment. Both roles require a unique set of skills and qualifications, as well as effective communication and collaboration to achieve success. By understanding the attributes of GMs and HR professionals, organizations can leverage the strengths of both roles to drive performance and achieve their goals.