Naturally, this can cause a bit of tension in the workplace and put both parties in awkward positions when it comes to relating with one another on a social level. Despite these obstacles, you can be a better HR manager today with the following four tips.

1. Acquire the Necessary Training

Having professional credentials will not only help you land a job, but will allow you to build the knowledge and skills you need to succeed at your job. A business management degree would be ideal for the kind of responsibilities you will take on as an HR manager, which will help you work more efficiently and with greater authority. When you have the careers of other people on the line, it's highly important that you know exactly what you're doing.

2. Open Up the Lines of Communication

It's easy for your position as an HR manager to seem dictatorial without a strong line of communication between yourself and the employees you oversee. Communication is key to ensuring that everyone in the office understands his or her responsibilities and keeps constant tabs on his or her own performance. By planning regular meetings and talking one-on-one with employees, you can show that you're open and helpful, yet still devoted to running a successful business.

3. Exert Authority without Belittling Others

This is one of those tasks that's a lot easier said than done, but you'll find that employees often respect you more when you exert some level of authority as opposed to acting like a pushover. Your job is ultimately to help the company achieve greater success, and most good employees will have the same objective. Emphasize that this is your goal and be willing to collaborate about ways to get there with the team to achieve the perfect balance between overpowering and undermining.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Show Your Personality

Professionalism is important in the workplace, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun and let your personality shine through your work. Determining which part of your personal life and personality is appropriate will mostly be at your own discretion. However, you're nearly always safe applying your unique sense of humor to job-related ideas. Expressing your original characteristics and non-work related life will allow employees to see your more human side, which will in turn strengthen your relationship with them and increase your likability.

With all of the responsibilities you have, it can be hard to focus on being a likeable person and an effective manager. But with these four tips above, you can achieve a perfect balance between the extremes of a cold, unapproachable manager and a laid-back, ineffective pushover manager. Finding this balance may also require a little trial and error. However, you'll ultimately land in this coveted position and get the respect you need for efficacy and the likability you need to get more enjoyment out of your job.