Picture this: a one-eyed monster has taken over your organization's HR function. From that chair behind the HR desk, this monster is systematically destroying your human resources programs and putting your company in jeopardy. It sounds like a bad episode of Creature Double Feature, but there is some truth to this frightening tale. Of course, HR professionals aren't one-eyed monsters, but many suffer from a myopic view of their position, and this short-sightedness can be detrimental.

Some HR people think taking care of the daily tasks is what the job is all about. While this might be true for those in entry-level positions, it's not the case for most people working in human resources. Not only are you short-changing your organization, but you might also be missing out on developing skills that can set your career advancement in motion.

Every HR executive wants to be taken seriously by the organization's leadership and be considered a vital part of the company's decision-making team. How often do you ask yourself, "How do I get a seat at the leadership table?" There are things-short of selling your first born-that you can do to get yourself an invitation to the table.

Here is a brief look at some steps that can help HR executives grasp the big picture and earn a spot on the leadership team:

• Adopt a Long-term view - The most effective HR professionals know the business of business, not just what's going on inside the organization.
   
• Stay Current - What are the latest technologies, procedures, and theories impacting your industry? Attend industry seminars and tradeshows to stay up-to-date. Read your industry's trade publications. Don't let your knowledge of the industry get stale.
   
• Take Those Calls - Some HR people avoid calls from search firms as if they were telemarketers ringing during dinnertime. It's tempting to avoid calls from search firms when you're busy, but when you do take them you're not just being polite. Executives from search firms are a great resource for getting to know the market and the industry. They speak with your competitors and potential hires on a daily basis. Ask them about what skills are needed in the industry, who's hiring, and what they're looking for. Many HR people feel disloyal if they speak to search firms, but it's a great way to get valuable information for your organization.
   
• Spy On Your Competitors - Find out as much as you can about your competition. Who are your firm's biggest competitors? What is their organization going through? Who might try to come after your employees? Staying current about your competition can keep you from getting blind-sided by a talent raid.
   
• Network Power, Activate! - Many professionals rely on a network to help them find a job, but it's "network, shmetwork" once they land a position. Networking is a great way to learn more about what is going on in your organization and your industry. If you haven't spoken to your network in awhile, reinvigorate those relationships!
   
• Do More Than Pay Your Dues - Many of us are members of professional groups, but paying your dues doesn't make you active. Participating in HR organizations is a great way to stay current about the latest trends in the field, and a way to keep an eye on your competition.

The bottom line is: Get Out There! It helps to develop opportunities for your own career, and it provides value to your role in your organization. You become a visible spokesperson for the company and shed a positive light on your organization.

If there are so many advantages to taking a long-term approach to the HR role, why are many professionals still so short-sighted? As one HR person said, "There's just so much work to do!" Many HR professionals are so caught up in their everyday responsibilities that don't realize that these other activities are just as important to their work.

It's true that daily tasks can be overwhelming. However, HR professionals need to ditch the tunnel vision and strike a balance between everyday responsibilities and career-boosting activities.

Don't let that one-eyed monster creep back behind your desk. Concentrating on tactical work may seem like a great way to promote job security, but those professionals who focus on the long-term by continuing to develop their careers, their network, and their skills are more valuable to their organizations. And they position themselves to be the most sought-after HR people in the field.