“People grow from failing and picking themselves up from the failure” – Phumzile Hlatshwayo

It is time to get inspired! In this Q&A we chat to Phumzile Hlatshwayo about her love for growing other people. She gives some tips for young people who feel stuck in their careers and emphasizes the importance of Personal Development. Here you go:

Sibusiso Nkosi: What attracted you to the HR Profession?

Phumzile Hlatshwayo: I was attracted by my personal purpose and need to give and work with people in corporate. The profession presented itself as the advisor on labour laws, job seeking processes, investment for people growth in companies, a different way of living in companies and the importance of leadership for the wellbeing of people in any organisation. That is the reason I pursued the qualification in Industrial Psychology.

Sibusiso Nkosi: What pushes you to want more for your career instead of just having a job?

Phumzile Hlatshwayo: I am driven by the purpose to impact and make changes to people’s lives whether in the workplace or outside the workplace. The fulfilment you get when you see an employee that joined as a junior in the call centre or reception area grow into a Specialist or Management role. The joy you get when you see conflict situations being resolved through interventions you bring. The transformation journey you witness after driving the projects. The results of merging two companies and seeing the culture impact and results of employees subscribing to one culture.

Sibusiso Nkosi: How important is personal development in career growth instead of just focusing on qualifications?

Phumzile Hlatshwayo: We cannot ignore on the job interventions. We cannot downplay the impact of mentorship and coaching. We cannot leave aside the role career sponsors play in the organisation. Qualifications bring knowledge but without the actual skill to perform the job, the qualified individual has a long journey to travel. Opportunity is important for career growth. Trust is key and believing that an employee can do it. These are the things that grow people. We cannot ignore the aspect on effort, failure and how the culture of the organisation views failure. People grow from failing and picking themselves up from the failure. A culture of failing without punishment grows people. However, fail fast and cheap. That goes with taking accountability and not being scared to do so.

Sibusiso Nkosi: What are your career tips for young people who feel stuck in their career growth?

Phumzile Hlatshwayo: Introspection and being true to yourself and capabilities. Understanding you are different, and you will do things different from others. Learn to manage your boss – manage upwards. Get a career sponsor in your organisation. Have a Mentor. Learn basic skills like budgeting. As you grow, you will need tact and diplomacy as a skill. Decide whether you want to grow to a management career path or specialist career path. Try to understand your purpose. There is a reason why you are working where you are working.