Dean Ruse, age 37, people training and development manager at RAC Auto
Windscreens, explains how his work aligns with the organisation’s HR strategy
What does your role involve?
It is my job to design, develop and maintain in-house training programmes
for RAC Auto Windscreens’ 1,100 employees. I also develop and manage
initiatives aimed at improving what we achieve through HR across the business.
What are the best and worst things about this job?
It sounds like corny HR speak, but I genuinely enjoy meeting so many
different people, and get tremendous satisfaction from motivating other people
to reach their full potential.The worst thing is that I have little time for
self-development.
What do you think will be the core skills for your job in the future?
Flexibility and commitment to change.
What is the best career decision you ever made?
To become involved in training, as I find it very rewarding. I wish I’d made
the decision earlier, as I started my working life selling plastics.
What was the worst training course you ever experienced as a delegate?
I’ve been on a few where the trainer treated the delegates as an
inconvenience. That really annoyed me. I’ve ended up switching off.
How do you think your job will have changed in five years’ time?
I envisage there will be a lot more sharing of information and best practice
across the RAC group. I imagine my role will be a lot more integrated with
other divisions, and I’ll become more of a HR generalist.
What are your favourite buzz words?
I’m not really a fan of buzz words, but have been known to say ‘fair play’
rather a lot.
Which buzzwords do you loathe?
‘Networking’ and ‘touch base’.
Are you good at self-development?
It is a real discipline and one that I really need to keep working at.
What self-development have you undertaken in the past 12 months?
I’ve been given new tasks and responsibilities in the past year, which have
been tremendous for my development.
How do you network?
I often attend the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
conference and seminars and also make an effort to catch up with colleagues
across the company.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
A sponsored world superbike racer.
Describe your management style in three words or less?
Open, honest, consultative.
Do you take your work home with you?
I work from my home in Devon, which is great. But the downside is that my
work is always at home with me.
What is your motto?
Perception is reality.
What is the best management book you have ever read?
Gung Ho! by Ken Blanchard.
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