Final answer:
The ability to influence others is critical for HR professionals because it allows them to guide employee growth, reduce hiring biases, and shape the workplace culture. This, in turn, affects career progression and job satisfaction, which are significant aspects of a professional's working life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to influence others is a critical characteristic of an HR professional because managers wield significant power and authority over the career growth and job satisfaction of their employees. By affecting decisions about training approvals, raises, promotions, and job references, they can profoundly impact an employee's growth and satisfaction.
Consequently, HR professionals must prioritize building positive relationships with their employees, employing impression management to project integrity and contribute positively to their teams. Additionally, reducing bias in hiring, effectively communicating, and demonstrating resilience are crucial to demonstrating leadership and ensuring fair practices within an organization. By doing so, HR professionals can help to foster a work culture that values positivity and solution-oriented attitudes.