Tom Hadley is a certified HR Leader with a background in global mobility and a passion for games, yoga, golf, and wine.
A lover of all things digital and a self-proclaimed social media junkie, Tom is an active blogger. He even writes posts for some online magazine called The HR Gazette.. We decided it was time to get to know Tom even better:
Editor: What are the top three things you think make for a happy and productive work environment?
TH: Regular performance feedback. Without that I think employees can feel insecure, or overly secure, and for me it’s critical, personally.A collegial, non-competitive environment.
People must know they work together and can rely on their teammates. Not sure of a short way to say this, but an environment where people aren’t afraid to make, or admit, mistakes. Where people do their best but aren’t afraid to come up and say “I made a mistake.” Mistakes can be learnt from and can be teachable moments, but if people think every mistake will lead to job loss, they tend to hide them, and that’s not good for anyone.
Editor: What are the top 3 things you’re working on/developing in 2015?
TH: 1) Networking skills. Building that network and reaching out to people is a key goal for me. 2) Building my LinkedIn skills. Slightly related, but I don’t check in or utilize it well enough, I’m sure. 3) Productivity and improving it at work. I have a tendency to overanalyze a problem and think about it from every angle and the most efficient way to do it, and often that ends up costing me time compared to just diving in. Working on cutting back on that analytical side (most of the time) and just getting things done.
Editor: Will your company be attending any events/conferences this year? If so, which ones and why?
TH: Some of our professionals will attending the CBA Immigration Law Conference, and I hope to be at the HRPA Conference again next year!
Editor: What’s your favorite book?
TH: Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett.
Editor: What’s you favorite movie?
TH: Hot Fuzz
Editor: If you could be a super hero who would you be and why?
TH: Iron Man. He’s like Batman, but without the brooding!
Editor: Other than The HR Gazette.. what other trade magazines do you read on a regular basis and why?
TH: HR Professional where I can, and I read The Economist, The Walrus and the Globe and Mail regularly. I think it’s important to keep a broad understanding of what’s going on in the world, as it all impacts HR. The business section of any paper can be a good way to get a better view of the broader business world, which I think HR can sometimes miss.
Editor: How does The HR Gazette fit with your brand’s objectives?
TH: Writing for and keeping up with the Gazette allows me to build my writing and professional skills. It helps me keep up with current HR trends, outside of my smaller company.
Editor: Tell us about your personal career history and what brought you to your current company.
TH: I studied Political Science in university, and after some travel and looking at the job market I did a post-grad certificate in HR, before obtaining my CHRP (now CHRL) certification. I was attracted to my current company because it allowed me to build the HR policies and procedures from the ground up.
Editor: Can you tell us a bit about what your company does for HR professionals and Managers?
TH: It’s a small company, so only I fall into that category! We support PD as much as we can to make sure our professional staff (both HR and otherwise) are staying current.
Editor: What is your target market? Please tell us a bit about typical companies which use your services?
TH: As an immigration law firm we serve almost any company, but in particular medium to large companies, where they are often moving workers back and forth across borders.
Editor: What’s your role at your company?
TH: I’m an HR Coordinator and Administrator.
Editor: Do you prefer team work or going solo?
TH:While currently I work solo, I prefer a team environment. It allows me to bounce ideas and problems past other professionals, which I think can be helpful. I use my network for that, some of which I’ve built through the HR Gazette, while maintaining confidentiality, of course.
Editor: How can people learn more about your services?
TH: Reach out to me directly! ca.linkedin.com/in/tomghadley/en