Brian Walker, an International Human Resources executive with significant experience in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Europe says that HR is not a career for people who say that they love working with people, helping to develop, etc. Brian Walker believes that the misperception that HR is a nice place to work because we work with people is pervasive and often leads to the wrong kind of talent in the function. Being fair is usually an expectation and requirement to be in HR.

Some HR roles as examples. They are in the fair business, not the nice business

Restructuring: Every organisation has winners and losers, when there is an organisational restructure, dealing with people that land on their feet is easy but in any restructure there are those who lose their jobs, face demotions or sometimes end up in a role they dislike.

These people deserve a respectful and fair process, therefore nice is just not enough. Recruiting: It is enjoyable to tell somebody they got the job they were really hoping for. Unfortunately, for everybody that gets the job, there are many people who wanted it and did not get it, so it is not fun to make those calls.

Empathy is the key…

HR leaders much have empathy. As a function, HR is often expected to give difficult news and feedback or to help other leaders give such feedback. It is always better to give it in an empathic way.

Balance…

Balance in our life is crucial, else it becomes overwhelming and tempting to slide into nice for sake of being nice in order avoid some of the tough work, which is not what organizations need. As HR, helping and watching people grow is great. But helping and watching the company grow through its people is even more important and more fulfilling.

If you are already working in HR, take a breath, keep perspective, and focus on what is most important. Have empathy and do the right thing and do not be afraid to give the tough messages.

Reference: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-resources-career-nice-people-brian-walker