6 mistakes HR leaders make when they feel stuck - and how to avoid them

As an HR leader, you pour your heart into developing others and driving positive change within your organization. But despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling "stuck" in your role or career. You might be wondering if it's even possible to break free from this rut and do the work you know you are capable of.

After working with dozens of senior HR leaders, I've noticed six critical mistakes that keep talented professionals like you from unlocking new opportunities for growth.

Mistake #1: Believing you should have all the answers You've built your career on being the problem-solver, the go-to person for organizational challenges. When you feel stuck, your first instinct might be to push harder, work longer, or try to figure it out alone. But here's the truth: seeking support isn't a sign of weakness – it's a sign of being self-aware. The most successful HR leaders build strong networks and aren't afraid to ask for help.

Mistake #2: Staying in your comfort zone  As HR leaders, we're great at developing others, but when was the last time you focused on your own development? Many of us get comfortable in our role as a trusted advisor and forget to challenge ourselves. Whether it's speaking at industry events, publishing thought leadership, or raising your hand for that stretch assignment, growth happens outside your comfort zone. As I often say, get comfortable with being uncomfortable!

Mistake #3: Confusing busyness with growth  Don’t mistake busyness for growth. You're managing multiple priorities, handling sensitive employee situations, and keeping countless plates spinning. But being busy doesn't always mean you're having the strategic impact you're capable of. It’s so easy to get caught up: joining yet another committee, volunteering for an internal project, signing up for more training. You might think that filling your schedule with extra “stuff” will help. And it might… for a while. You’re busy but you’re just not making any progress. Ask yourself: Are you spending your time on truly transformative work, or are you stuck in the transactional weeds of HR?

Mistake #4: Downplaying your achievements  I see this especially among female HR leaders – we tend to attribute our successes to the team (which is important) while minimizing our personal contributions. This pattern of thinking can keep you stuck, especially when it's time to advocate for new opportunities or advancement. Keep a brag file to start documenting your wins, the business impact you've created, and the ways you've influenced positive change.

Mistake #5: Waiting for the “perfect” moment  We often hold ourselves back out of fear of making the wrong move at the "wrong" time. But waiting for perfection means we miss opportunities that will never come again.

Here's a hard truth: no one is coming to tap you on the shoulder with your dream opportunity. Many HR leaders get stuck waiting for the perfect moment, the right invitation, or explicit permission to take their next career leap. Your career growth requires you to be proactive, to create opportunities rather than wait for them. Embrace a growth mindset and take small, intentional steps towards your goals each day - even when the path forward is unclear. We’re looking for progress, not perfection.

Mistake #6: Neglecting self-reflection Feeling stuck often stems from a lack of clarity around your strengths, values and goals. When was the last time you reflected on what makes you unique? Do you know what your strengths are and how they can help you excel in your career? Answering these questions is key to unlocking new possibilities. Set aside dedicated time for self-reflection using tools like the 6-minute journal or a Hogan strengths assessment to gain clarity.

Feeling stuck isn't a failure; it's a signal that you're ready for growth. If you're ready to move from stuck to unstuck, from overwhelmed to energized, you don't have to figure it out alone. Breaking free from these patterns starts with a single step – often, simply acknowledging where you are and deciding where you want to go.

So what's the first step you'll take today to get unstuck? If this article resonated with you, we should talk. Book in for a confidential call to get started.

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I work with female senior leaders in Human Resources who feel stuck to help them love their work or find work they love. Like this newsletter? Please sign-up, share + follow me if you found this interesting. I write about:

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