Dear Sakshi,
Ask these questions to yourself and am sure you will get more clarity:
1. Was your CEO against that particular action (of talking to employees without his knowledge) alone or is he is in general wanting you to just do the routine, operational things alone?
2. If it is yes, by just doing the basic things alone do you still see scope for you to contribute for the growth of the organization and at the same time satisfy your learning needs. I am talking about basic things like - professionalizing and making your recruitment function process and metric driven, leave rules, attendance system, payroll, statutory, probation assessment process, exit process etc... to name a few...(note all of these will become a must when your organization starts expanding)
3. You said the company is set to expand - in which case do you see getting more opportunity to contribute, learn and grow - in short, pretty challenging...
4. At any point in time are you being asked to act against your basic value system? Are you required to accept disrespect to you as an individual or professional?
5. If yes, what is your individual tolerance limit?
6. Look at other compulsions you might have - getting a good job, having to explain why you want to leave within 6 months etc., personal financial commitment etc..
After thorough analysis, in case you feel it is better you look out, then, plan well ahead and start looking out. Keeping quiet all along and one fine day you find yourself 'I cannot take it anymore' - there is every chance you will end up jumping into fire to avoid being in a frying pan.
Most importantly, keep your emotions in check. Believe that every experience is there to teach us some lesson. However difficult it may be, never criticize your current employer. Be grateful.
To conclude, not just for this situation, for many things in life we only have 3 options:
(a) Change the changeable
(b) Accept the unchangeable
(c) Remove yourself from the unacceptable
Choose the one that helps you best - to be happy, to be peaceful and to feel growing...
Wishing you all the very best for a bright career...
Cheers,
Chandru