Feeling Stuck in My New HR Role: How Can I Get Honest Feedback from My Bosses?

Dear All,

In my previous company, my boss was very nice. I used to ask him for his feedback, and since we were very close and open with each other, I never hesitated to ask or say anything, whether it was right or wrong. He always told me about my negative and positive points. This process was done over the telephone since I was in Delhi and he was in Mumbai.

One month ago, I joined another company as an HR and Admin Executive. I am currently on my probation period of 6 months in this corporate firm. We have very few employees at the moment. I feel that my seniors may not be happy with me or my work, though I am not certain. Nevertheless, I am giving my best effort and putting in 100%. However, sometimes, when I sense their dissatisfaction, I become depressed or upset, which affects my concentration at work, leading to mistakes. I fear being asked to leave the company due to this. I have tried to dismiss these thoughts, but when my seniors approach me, their expressions seem disapproving. I often find myself with free time in the office as I don't have much work to do. When I make suggestions, they either do not respond or do not agree. I am unsure how to resolve this situation as I lack significant job responsibilities. Typically, when I propose something, my seniors tend to reject it. I do not have the authority to take action without their permission, even for minor tasks like purchasing a whiteboard marker. At times, I wonder if this is because of my lack of experience or education. I am an undergraduate and have been working in HR for the past 3 years. In my previous role, I had the freedom to work independently, make decisions, and take action (with my boss's approval). However, in this company, I have limited autonomy.

I am anxious about the outcome. Should I seek feedback from them? If so, what specific questions should I ask? Should I continue as is? I am keen on retaining this job.

Please provide guidance, seniors. What steps should I take in this situation?

Shweta

May I ask for feedback from my seniors? If yes, then what should I ask? If not, then what should be done?

Shweta

Hi Shweta,

I understand your feelings.

Among the list of seniors you have in the company, there might be one or two who are at least considerate and listen to you at times.

Try opening up a communication channel with them. Go to them and ask for permission whether they can spare time for you. I am sure that on one day or another they would give you some time.

Start a humble communication, telling them that you are not as experienced as them and ask when they can spare time for you. If they do not come to you, please go to them. One day you will be successful. Ask them for the education that they can pass on to you in your current role.

Job roles, authorities, and people's mindsets change from organization to organization. Do not focus on the word "authorities" and concentrate on the word "initiatives." Tell them that you have some plans and ask for their feedback.

Remember, things will not change in a day. Be perseverant and try focusing on things starting from small things, and you will succeed.

Ek Bhai to Reply karaaa naa....Hope you are happy.

Best of luck,

Kumar

Hi Kumar,

Thank you for your suggestion. I will follow the same approach. You know, what happens is, I usually put in 100% effort in all my work. However, sometimes when I sense that my seniors are not pleased, I tend to worry about my job security. I am doing my best, but when I notice their negative facial expressions, I feel disheartened. It makes me doubt my worth in this company, and in turn, I make mistakes or become unsure about the tasks assigned to me. I feel like I lack significance in my company, especially considering I am the sole HR person. Our company has two offices - one in Delhi and the other in Mumbai. I am based in Delhi, serving as an HR and Admin Executive. Unfortunately, I don't have the autonomy to make decisions. I have to consult my busy seniors for every initiative, query, or action, often needing to follow up with them up to 25 times. I constantly have to remind them about my pending tasks. I used to be content in my previous job, and I sometimes wish I could return to that company. However, it's not feasible, nor is it ethical.

Shweta

Hi Shweta,

It is always difficult to adjust in a new environment in the initial period. Every organization has different ways of approaching the people and situations. So, you need to adjust to the new environment. Do not compare your old organization with the new one; there will be some positives and negatives in both.

Also, since you are new in this organization, you need to earn the confidence of your seniors by doing your work properly and efficiently. Concentrate on work rather than thinking about anything else. Once you earn the respect and confidence of your seniors, then you can put forward your suggestions or ideas, and they will surely be accepted.

My suggestion would be to try and adjust to the new system rather than comparing the old with the new and expecting the same behavior from the new seniors. Give yourself and your seniors at least 3 to 6 months to see if any changes take place.

Regards,
Harshad

Hi Shwetha,

I appreciate your trust in our advice. To start, every person requires some time to get adjusted to a new environment/organization, and vice versa. This period typically lasts for 6 months. It's like getting married and the new family accepting the bride.

As you mentioned, your seniors are quite busy. Six months from now, you will be equally busy, and if you encounter someone new who has joined and does not have much work (which I think you shouldn't), try not to behave like them. The key is to hold on, give your best as you said you do, and I am sure things will change. If you need my help, feel free to contact me.

I think there is nothing to panic about. Whenever you move from one company to another, you might face some issues related to adjustment and acceptance. You can address these issues only through your performance and dedication. Many people make mistakes in such situations as they spend more time trying to become friendly with other team members and people in the office rather than focusing on work and performance. You have mentioned that you are not even a graduate, so you have more to prove. Just concentrate on your work. I believe other things will fall into place, but if you miss this, then you have only yourself to blame for your fate.

Your job is not to keep everyone happy but to work to the best of your abilities and perform.

All the best. Thanks and Regards

Dear Swetha,

I perfectly understand what you're going through because I was in a similar situation a month before. I was working for a medium-sized IT company as an HR Recruiter and recently joined a corporate on contract, and trust me, things started happening similar to what happened in your case.

This is what I did...

- Stopped worrying about what my seniors "THINK" of me or my performance. Rather started working efficiently, that in due time people slowly started noticing my performance and changed their attitude towards me. Remember "seeing is believing", let your seniors see and believe!
- Face it, chuck off those quit-the-job thoughts which might tempt you to apply for another job. What if you end up with a worse monster? Beware!! Stay and face it boldly!
- Just Chill - Swetha, for heaven's sake, don't take life too seriously! These so-called seniors of yours will not even be in your memory in another few years down the lane.
- Enjoy - Enjoy every bit of your work, just be yourself to people no matter how they treat you and stay happy. Remember.. "Working" is for people who don't know how to "PARTY"!:-D!!!

Wish you all the very best for a Happy HR career!:-P

Shweta.HR said:
Hey Kumar,

Thanks a ton for your suggestion. I will follow the same thing. You know what happens is, I usually do all my work with my 100% efforts but sometimes when I feel that my seniors are not happy, then I generally get afraid for my job. I am doing my best. But the moment I see their (my seniors) bad facial expressions, I feel very bad and I feel that I am of no use in this company. After seeing their faces, I usually make mistakes or get confused about my work given by them. I feel that I don't have any importance in my company. I am the only HR person in my Company. We have two offices - one in Delhi and the second in Mumbai. I am working in Delhi as an HR and Admin Executive. I don't have the freedom to take any steps. For all the initiatives, queries, or anything, I have to wait for my seniors, who are very busy with their own office work. I have to follow up with them at least 25 times. I have to remind them about my pending work. I was very happy with my previous job. I wish I could join that company again, but it's not possible and it's not ethical.

Shweta

Hi Shweta,

I can very well understand your problem. This is not the case with you only. There are many victims of such situations. But you have to remember one thing in your mind, i.e., TOUGH TIMES ARE TESTING TIMES...... Try to learn from such situations. The most important thing is to make a directory of all the employees who are in your concern. It's not always that you need their help; sometimes they can ask you for help as well. Try to notice individuals' behavior. How they react to you in different situations, like:

- When you ask them for help.
- When you ask them for new assignments.
- When they need you to complete some task.
- How they treat you in the morning.

You will have to keenly notice their behavior, how is their behavior inside the company and how they behave after working hours. It's very true that human behavior keeps on changing. It's not possible for a person to behave in the same manner the whole day; it keeps changing. Try to notice their behavior in different situations.

This will not only help you to find out the causes of their problem with you but minimize the gap also. Above all, it will keep your mind busy all the time.... And one more thing that I would like to suggest is:

Once you are out of the office, stop thinking about it and enjoy your personal life.....

Regards

Dear Kumar, Harshad, Prashant, Sanjeev, Priyankha, and Daleep,

Thanks a lot for your suggestions to guide me and to put me on the right track. I was fully depressed from all these things but now I am not nervous or uncomfortable to work with this company.

Thanks a lot for cheering me up.

I have taken your suggestions as a guideline.

Thanks and Regards,
Shweta

Hi,
First thing Do you have a job description for yourself ? If not, then have one..
Secondly ..Does your organization have Key Result Areas set for you…if not how do they measure performance….
If the above two things are in place you would get to know what you are suppose to do and what not to.
This will help you focus on your work as you would be knowing what you r responsible for ……
Then work as per that…..How much is your total experience? what nature of job you handle..
The company you are working is it a professional organization, I don't think so…
As MNC/Professional organization don't hire undergraduates or more so even graduates for Executive HR & Admn as they preference is always for an MBA…..
It will help us to know more and suggest more to you….pls elaborate more….
Unless and until you are clear for what purpose you are hired as you say you don't have much to do and don't have powers you will not be able to concentrate and know your role….

Hi Shweta,

It seems you are quite confused with your current job. Frankly speaking, the solution to the problem lies within your own writings. Kumar and other friends have pointed you in the right direction. Besides, you need to be strong enough to control your emotions and nerves. The situations you have identified are indeed worrisome but not new. The management traits of your seniors are very traditional and conservative.

Under these circumstances, you need to control your nerves, eliminate confusion, and frustration. Believe in yourself, don't underestimate your abilities; you are the best team player. Once you succeed in developing and regaining your confidence, you will once again become a star performer.

In my opinion, you need to take the first step and then follow the second step as Kumar indicated. I hope to see you smiling and confident soon. Wishing you all the best.

Hi Swetha,

How are you? Oh, sorry!

I understand your feelings; this is common when you are new to an organization. It will take time to get accustomed to what is what and who is who. First, try to understand the mentality of your boss. Go through that and stay in touch with your boss daily. Take time to clearly ask about your roles and responsibilities from your boss. Also, seek suggestions related to your work before you begin. Since you are new, you may not know the methods and procedures they follow. Avoid asking your boss directly; instead, prepare a mail and send it. These mails could be beneficial for you in the future, especially during confirmation times. We should not underestimate anyone.

Do your best, and I wish you all the best.

Syam - HR

Hi Shweta,

Good to know that you have problems...

Because I firmly believe that problems are the best teachers. They teach you more than any other medium of learning, provided you think of the solution more than you think of the problem.

Your problem is critical but not so much that you cannot cope with it. You can easily overcome it by giving your 101% rather than 100%. You just need to be a step ahead of what your seniors expect from you. As you have mentioned you need to make follow-ups with every little thing, make them. There are only two possible outcomes for that: either your senior will approve or deny a thing or they will say do it on your own and do not harass me for every little thing. In any case, you are on the upper side as the first scenario will allow you to do your work perfectly and the second will earn you some authority to make decisions.

As you have mentioned that they are too busy with their work, if it is so, it's a very good thing. Just take the initiative to get the basic work of your office done before their instruction. Also, whenever you present something to them, present it as if it is for them and try to cultivate their interest in it. It will help you in getting approvals earlier than before...

Lastly, do not express all your intentions at once to them.

Regards, Anal Shah +9998035930

Dear Swetha,

Things vary from industry to industry and also from boss to boss. You have mentioned that you had full freedom in your previous job, which you do not have in the new one. Always remember to put forth your efforts and output to the maximum extent. Try initiating a dialogue with your seniors when they are relaxed and share your ideas with them. Do not lose heart as you cannot change everything overnight.

Avoid getting depressed as being in that state may lead to more mistakes. Be courageous and patient. It is unrealistic to expect people to accept you within just a year and a half of service. Time is the only factor that can bring about significant change.

Maintain hope. Wishing you a bright future.

Regards,
Ramesh Bala

Hi Swetha,

Don't worry. Everything will change. Ups and downs are always there in life. Now, coming to solve your problem... You have told me that:

1. Your seniors are not happy with your work while you are giving your best. Now, my question is, have they given you KRAs? If so, have you understood them? Also, did you discuss with your superiors on how to achieve them? The reason why I am asking is I may think what I am doing is right, but others may not think so.

Now, my concern is, even though you are working hard, are you working in the right direction as per the requirement?

2. If seniors say they are not happy with the performance, there is nothing wrong in asking them where you have gone wrong. It's very simple. Apologize for the mistake and say, "Can you please tell me how to go about it?"

Also, to make your seniors more confident in you, you have to be confident. You have to be the best in your job.

3. You said you are free most of the time and you don't have much authority. Please check if you have understood all your job requirements. If you feel you are satisfied and convinced that this is all your job, try to learn more about your job and find out ways of how you can improve it. Read, read, and read. Improve your knowledge.

If your people are not taking your suggestions, you can always ask them politely why your suggestion was not taken.

What I do before I give a suggestion to my management:

I say, "I may be wrong, please correct me if so," suggestion. This way, I don't sound overconfident, I have the opportunity to put across my point, and I have also conveyed that I am ready to learn.

4. Last but not least, when it comes to a job, you have to know anything and everything about it. Check whether you have received a positive answer for this question. If not, look into ways of how you can be the best.

All the best. Do let us know if you require any further help.

Dear Shweta,

Just follow what Kumar has advised for the next 3 months. If the response is not fruitful, then it is the right time to find another assignment that is good. It would be a highly stressful situation and a hindrance to your growth if the same situation continues for the next 3 months.

Regards,
S. Aravind.

Hello Shweta,

I just want to suggest one thing to you, do not take it this way that you are not performing well or your seniors are not happy with you. Just concentrate on your work and give your best. And never feel so insecure about your job, look it's all about your capability and the way you manage everything, if you are good, people would love to work with you and companies do require good employees. Just be sure about what you do. Do not ask them as such about your feedback, work with the attitude that they selected you because you were good. I am sure this will sort out the issue. Just give it a try....

Take care,
Renu

Dear Sweta,

He could be assessing how positive you are or how much pressure you can bear. According to me, be positive - whatever is happening, is happening for the best. Do your best without hesitation. At the same time, don't forget that if you were to get terminated and join another firm, who knows what kind of staff you will encounter. Therefore, simply put in your 100%.

Kind regards

Hello,

I think in a new organization, if nobody listens to you or provides any knowledge, it's better to leave. Because this will hinder your personal development. Can you tell me what you have learned so far from the new organization?

Dear Swetha,

This was the same case of mine when I joined a company as an intern for two months. I was not given much work, and when I asked for any work, they just said there was no work at the moment. This may have been because I was an intern there.

However, later on, after repeatedly asking them for work, they eventually gave me some responsibilities. My suggestion to you is to go and talk to your immediate boss and ask for some responsibilities. I'm sure they will assign you some tasks.

I hope my suggestion was useful for you.

Regards,
Reema

Hi, I agree with Mr. Sanjeev Himachali. Shweta, don't judge yourself by someone's expression. I too have gone through such problems. Never let your emotions control you; commit yourself to excellence in every area of your work.

Also, if you are free, you can do one thing. Think about what will help your workload but will not need the approval of your boss. For example, if you are in recruiting and maintaining personal files of the staff, since you are free, you can start maintaining a database of these employees. Fill in all the information pertaining to them on a sheet. This won't help you now, but it will definitely help when the information is needed from your end, and you are able to produce it immediately.

Similarly, you can even start sending emails to the staff on their birthdays. Think about how you would inform them if you were in charge of updating staff about every change.

My advice is never to fall victim to emotions. They will never help you rationalize a situation. Don't worry for now. Do your best with passion and commitment, and then leave the results. It will definitely be fantastic.

"Karm karo fal ki apeksha mat karo" - from Lord Krishna :)

Also, if possible, join some assertive skill workshops. It will help you deal with situations better. Read books to improve your knowledge.

All the best. I am sure you will be able to do it.

Hi Swetha,

I completely agree with the previous suggestion. There can be many reasons behind that sort of depression. Start a humble dialogue; everything can get fixed up. But, don't hesitate to take the feedback because it's all your right after doing so much for the company.

Kumar

Hi Shwetha,

You are taking ownership and responsibility for your work, and that is great. You cannot always concentrate on what other people think and feel. Try not to derive strength from outside; try to concentrate on gaining strength from within. If you are okay with your feelings and inner self, then maybe you will have a different view towards your colleagues. Try to think that your relationship with everyone is fine, and it will definitely turn out that way. It also becomes a boss's responsibility to give you outward feedback about your performance and help you achieve your target.

As far as your work is concerned, if you feel you are on the right track and giving 100%, you are, and you don't need to worry about anything else. Other people have their own issues to deal with, so don't worry, be positive, and things will turn around for you.

Regards,
Anu

Hi Sweta,

I think you have recently joined your new company, so just wait and watch because in each and every company, they have to conduct performance appraisals. After the completion of that, it's necessary to make the evaluation. So whenever your seniors will conduct that evaluation, then you will easily come to know their opinion. Whatever tasks you are performing on a daily basis, make a note of all those. Because when any evaluation is done, they will ask you about them. You should have some key points about yourself in your hand at that time. I think you have understood my point.

Sweta, keep patience and try to see things from an employer's perspective. It's not necessary that the organizational culture will be the same everywhere. So, avoid making comparisons. Just keep in mind that you have to work for this company and you have to prove yourself so that they will be compelled to respect your work. Don't give suggestions to just anyone you want. Instead, identify those who are willing to listen and provide your valuable suggestions to them.

I hope this helps!

I would suggest networking. Ask the senior you are most comfortable speaking to for some of their time so that you can unload your worries in a diplomatic and friendly way (don't whine). Prepare yourself for what you are about to say so that you sound confident and are taken seriously. If your treatment is still the same, you may want to reconsider working over there. If you weren't good enough, they would not have hired you in the first place, right? You'll just as easily get a new job - one you really deserve.

Someone in this thread also mentioned about taking initiatives. That's an excellent idea. If you're passionate about something and know it's right, go ahead and do it. Then wait and see the response. How bad can it be?

Hello,

This could happen due to two things in my opinion.

(a) The new organization's (your superior's) culture may be that they are used to disregarding juniors.

(b) Maybe a few things you did did not meet their expectations, and now you have been pushed onto an exit track.

Mainly:

(a) Concentrate on the job, look at the lighter side always, do not complain, always appreciate everything, even the smallest things at the office. Show that you are a positive-minded person. Demonstrate that you are different, and they might correct their way of thinking.

(b) Read more about HR (relevant to your job) and give steady and firm but short comments at meetings, etc., to show that YOU KNOW A LOT but DO NOT TALK MUCH. (Theory of the iceberg) This revolution might take a few months. Also, remember, "Body language" is a very important thing in offices. Be smart and act smart but talk less. Do not discuss negative matters with anybody at the office.

Shweta,

You have received a lot of good advice so far except the one that asked you to quit :icon1:. Humbly let me share my experience with you. I have just joined a new org as Assoc VP HR, and I can truly understand your apprehension and fear as I'm facing a few myself. But my experience so far (16 years) tells me it's those people who stick to their convictions and beliefs in tough situations who are the real winners in the long run. Please remember all change will come with some pain and discomfort. The quicker you can adopt change, the better it will be for you. You are young and just starting your career, be open to people, new environments, and new learnings. Always look at bad experiences as examples you will never emulate in the future and sow positively in your own life and in others; you will reap great benefits, be patient and stick with it. All situations are not permanent; change is inevitable, and believe that your contribution, however small initially, will make a difference. Persistence pays in all circumstances.

Warm Regards dear.... Shubha

Hi Shweta,

First of all, I want to tell you that things like this keep on happening in life. Let's come to the solution. I think you are not fitting into the culture of this company. I believe the overall culture of your previous company was much more liberal and democratic compared to your present organization. I will give you a few suggestions which are below:

1) You have to first understand the culture of this company, how people behave with their bosses, and try to adjust accordingly.

2) When interacting with your bosses, be clear about what you have to say; never be in a confused state of mind.

3) Don't take too much of a load on your head. Just plan your day, be confident about what you have done and what you are going to do, wear good clothes, talk less, and be serious.

4) Read some good books on management and attitude building.

Try to do this for 15 days; I am sure you will be in a better position.

Regards,
Akhouri Nishant

Dear Members,

I have received your feedback on the areas where you would like me to make changes, except for one person who suggested that I should quit my job. I will definitely consider all of your suggestions. As a first step, starting from yesterday, I have been sending a "quote of the day" to everyone in my office. I have received positive feedback from everyone for this small gesture. I have a few more initiatives in mind that I will gradually implement. Moving forward, I will endeavor to follow all the suggestions provided by you. I am feeling motivated and grateful that you all took the time out of your busy schedules to offer your advice.

I assure you that I will adhere to your suggestions, except for resigning from my job.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and guided me towards the right path. I am truly grateful for putting me on the right track.

Thanks and Regards,
Shweta

Hi Shweta,

Please do not take any action or decision on your own for which you are not authorized. Work hard because you are on your probation period. Point out your queries to your seniors sincerely; it will help you gain experience. Remember to WORK HARD.

USE TRIPLE C for your queries; it will definitely help you solve your problems:

C: - COMMUNICATE means to communicate your problem with the appropriate person.
C: - CO-OPERATE means to cooperate with him/her to find a solution.
C: - CHALLENGE means after getting the solution, take it as a challenge and finalize it.

IS IT OK OR NOT
Santosh Shrimal

Hi Sweta,

If our work is not appreciated, we lose heart and become upset with the output, and this often happens. I would suggest that even if your seniors don't appreciate your work, ask them where you have gone wrong and try to make corrections. If you lose your confidence and don't show the work you have done to them, they won't understand your capabilities.

Last but not least, your senior may take some time to understand your capabilities, so relax and try to understand how they would like you to work.

Regards,
Ferns

Hi Sweta,

First of all, stop worrying. The fact that you are not experienced will be in the back of their mind, so they are taking you lightly. Once you prove your credibility, they will trust you. Also, remember that during probation, many employee data won't be given access to you.

Give your best and don't ever think about termination. Keep gaining knowledge from varied sources and try to do part-time courses as you mentioned you have a lot of free time. Rajiv Gandhi University has a lot of scope for girls and charges very minimally.

Keep up the spirits.

Regards,
Swati

Dear Shweta,

Going through your posts, a number of questions came to my mind.

It seems you were quite happy with your previous work environment and your boss. Then why did you take a leap? Was it only for salary reasons?

Since you had a habit of getting feedback from your previous boss about your work, you must be in a position to analyze your areas of strengths and weaknesses. Being in HR, you might also understand how you can use your strengths to your advantage and overcome your weaknesses.

Since you have moved on to a corporate environment, didn't you ask for your job profile during your interview? Then why is it that you don't have much work to do?

You feel that your seniors are not happy with you, you have no work in your present job, you feel you are being sidelined by your superiors perhaps because of your qualifications and experience. You feel a constant need to get feedback on your performance from your superiors. I think, dear, you do not have self-confidence.

Maybe you have not been able to come out of the aura of your previous organization. I am not sure whether that was also a corporate house. Every organization and its culture are different. What works for one may not work for another.

So, what I suggest is to relax and analyze the reason for your depression. Is it because you underrate yourself due to your education and experience? Is it because you need constant approval from your superiors? Have you really been able to adjust to your new company and its culture? Is your attitude about your company and its people and culture really positive? You will find out the answers for yourself. Once you identify the cause of your depression, work to improve the situation.

Remember, only if you have faith in yourself will others place their faith in you. So, first of all, shake off the practices of your previous company and accept the corporate culture of your organization positively. Understand how the HR department of this organization works, in what areas of HR are you good at - is it recruitment, training, or any other area. Then, meet your reporting authority and request a meeting. Tell him politely but firmly your problems and fears. Tell him the area where your expertise lies and how you feel you can contribute to the department. Ask him to assign some work in that area and meet his expectations. Don't consider your seniors as your enemies. Even if you are good at something or you feel you know something better than your seniors from your previous experience, remember to give importance to your seniors; after all, they will expect respect from you for their seniority. After a while, things will change, and you will be given more authority and freedom. Maintain a positive and cheerful attitude because depression can only jeopardize your efficiency.

Don't worry, things will work out well, but remember never lose faith in yourself.

Shweta,

Chill things happen, but there are always ways to rectify them. I don't know about your personality, whether you can be aggressive or not. But, if my suggestion is to be taken, start hunting for a new job if, even after making efforts, the situation does not improve. It should not happen that you tolerate the nonsense and continue here with no work for another year. If you are lucky enough to get a chance for an interview at a more structured organization, what are you going to say about the work you have done? Stability will be considered an issue if you leave, but you can always discuss everything clearly in the interview about why you wish to leave in such a short time. Maybe you will have to give 10-15 interviews to find the right working culture or an understanding learning atmosphere, but once you get it, it will be great. So, Shweta, chill and go get it (I am advising you out of my own experience).

Shweta, you are feeling so depressed and sad mainly because you were quite independent in your earlier job. What made you leave then? This job is different. All jobs and people will not be the same everywhere. Anyway, just face this as it comes. Don't lose confidence. I can feel that you are losing your confidence. No man is perfect. To err is human. Try to recover from your mistakes. Try not to repeat them. Let your seniors see the willpower in you, how determined you are to improve yourself. Read a lot. Improve in the areas you feel you are not like them. Slowly, you will make friends or at least try to win one colleague's confidence. Then you can take feedback from him/her as to why and where you need to develop.

Dear HR friends, at least respond to our such guests who need advice during such a time. Strange she had to ask so many times. Sorry, Shweta, I have also been too late in replying. Actually, I read your mail only today.
Ann M

Hi Shweta,

No two companies are the same, just like no two people are the same. So, it's not fair to compare your past company with the new one. To begin with, I have only a small understanding of your problem.

First of all, don't ask for something that you can't handle. If you think you can handle the feedback from your boss, then only ask.

Secondly, try not to go to your boss with problems; try to go with solutions.

Third, try to take tips from the employees/seniors in the organization. I am sure all your seniors won't have the same impression of you.

Finally, don't let any X, Y, or Z ruin your happiness. Happiness is your state of mind. Try to overcome your depression. Office problems are not really worth going into any depression for you.

Hope you will have a great future.

Seema

1)1 month back, I have joined another company as a HR and Admin Executive: You need to understand that one month time is too less to understand new processes to interact with new people, especially in professional life. I would suggest not to jump to any conclusion in such a short period of time
2)when I feel that they are not happy with me: you have mentioned everywhere in your message you feel, you think, but no where you have mentioned you believe. Where are these feelers coming to you? Do u have any evidence or any facts supporting this or have your so called seniors have given you any direct indication. Also I would suggest not using word” seniors”. Preferably in today's professionals world though we know some people are our seniors but they should be ideally called our collogues. By calling them seniors you are creating a barrier within yourself
3)I tried to forget these things but whenever my seniors comes to me, their expressions are like ___________:I just could not understand what you want to say
4)I had full liberty in my previous company to work, to take decisions, to do anything (of course with the approval of my Boss). But in this company, I don't have any liberty to take any step.: You need to understand that might be your previous org might be a small company even then you did not do anything without your boss approval. The diff lies here the boss approval is also subject to processes
5)Should I ask them for my feedback?: Surely once given an opportunity try to clear things with your immediate manager but before that give urself & the system to adapt to each other.

As a whole what I feel, you are just suffering from a feeling called “Job Insecurity”. I would suggest if circumstances favor you please complete your graduation.

Let me know if you need more inputs

Dear Shweta,

I have read your message and a few replies.

My suggestion:

You need to assess the situation. You may check the financial status of your company (I mean turnover), the clients they have (as per the business they are in), and the progress of the company in the past two years.

Maybe there has been a downfall in the business, or maybe there is an expansion of the business going on. In both cases, the seniors are busy. During the downfall of the business, they do not need as much HR involvement, hence no work for HR and no authority to HR.

During the expansion phase of the business, they are busy with strategic planning for expansion, branding, marketing, resourcing, etc. You may not be able to see everything by yourself, you may not be able to feel all this. What you should try is to speak to people who have been with the company for more than two years and try to get a feel of the company (where it is heading).

If you are intelligent enough, you may get your answers.

During the downfall of the business, you only need to wait and watch. You may also try to explore some possibilities that can add value to the growth of the business.

During the expansion, work will come your way, there will be loads of it. In the meantime, in both cases, you need to enhance your knowledge and be proactive to give your best.

I hope if you try this, you may get some clues on how useful you are and can be to this organization.

My best wishes to you.

Nishi

Come on, Shweta, if you believe that your seniors are not happy, why not try to find out why? Please stop comparing your new job with the previous one; this might be why your seniors are unhappy. Remember my words, "You don't search for a job; you create it for yourself." Similarly, try to make this organization like the previous one. It will take time, but it can be done. Participate actively and don't easily let yourself down; otherwise, you will never grow. No one will emphasize you. Forget about your last job and work hard. I know you can do it. By the way, I am in the same position as you are. I participate the most, research the most, so I come up with new ideas, and no one can ignore that. So, do your homework very well. Who knows, you could be the employee of the year/month next year. So, it's sincerely advised, "Don't compare and don't let yourself down."

Wishing you the best of luck.

Regards,
Nadir Alvi

I hope you have your JD defined clearly to you. If not, first make sure it's in place and start taking initiative accordingly. The root cause is not at their end, but I think your overly conscious attitude is creating a problem for you. Try to focus on the work assigned to you. Follow-up is a part of everybody's KRA. I think do not hesitate to follow up on things, and also, it's very important to focus on furthering your study. It will be very useful for you in your HR career ahead. Definitely, education enables us to look at things from a wider perspective.