Feeling Stuck: Should I Resign from My HR Role Due to Boss's Interference?

Hi All,

I am an HR professional. I report to the Director and coordinate with the Engineering Head in handling employees' issues. The problem is that my boss (Director) doesn't like this. He suddenly starts finding faults in me. He is handling HR functions like welfare and employee issues and then informs me about the problem. Therefore, I am unable to get involved in employee relations.

Sometimes, I feel like resigning from my job, but the salary is very lucrative. So, I am unable to make a decision.

Please advise on what I should do. Should I resign from the job or is it not necessary? Your help is appreciated.

Regards,
Poonam

Dear Poonam,

I know it's not always easy to leave a job. But I would like to know, since when have you been with them? Is this your first job? If not, please look for better opportunities at the earliest. Best of luck!!

Regards,
Vipin

Vipin,

This is not my first job. Do I have any other options other than resigning from the job.

Regards,
Poonam

Hi,

I know it's very difficult to get a new job in the present recession time, especially when working with a boss who always criticizes you. I think you are working in a manufacturing unit? I am also working in a manufacturing unit. Please let me know if I can help you find a new job.

Regards,
Chamsd

Hey Poonam,

Well, I think that leaving the job would not be the right option, especially at this time when a recession is going on. I feel you should discuss this clearly with your director before taking any decision.

Regds,
Sara

Hi Poonam,

Please note, such things are quite possible in a manufacturing industry where preferences are always for the Production & Finance guys, and HR/IR is the least to receive last-minute information. It is up to us to cope with such situations. It is better if you involve yourself wholeheartedly with a little flexibility. Please start appreciating their efforts and praise for each and every small thing. YOU WILL SEE THE REVERSE EFFECT. Over a period of time, they will come to you for a solution, and that day is going to be yours. Just relax and enjoy continuing your job. Wishing you all the very best.

Sundar

Ponam,

You have to understand your role as an administrative assistant to the Director of Engineering. He should not consult you because it's not mandatory. You were recruited as HR to assist him in an administrative role due to his preoccupation with technical matters, which simultaneously deals with human resources issues too.

Your position, or in other words, job description, is not aligning with your desires and expectations. This is a problem, but you have to work within the delegation of authority and span of control as per the work culture. Meanwhile, you can impress your boss to gradually take over decision-making from him by showcasing your skills and building confidence. It will be a great craftsmanship and an art to do this. And believe me, this is where you are lacking.

Your misconception is that as an HR person, you should be delegated this authority, but the organizational complexity of hierarchy and intricacies did not allow this to happen. You become frustrated just because of your inexperience in evaluating your position and understanding the constraints of your boss. He cannot delegate this authority as he does not have confidence in your decision-making.

Now, the rest is up to you. This is not an isolated case, but most people like you face this kind of situation and do not read properly. Your first step is to step into your boss's shoes and understand his position when he is upset or frustrated with you.

Badlu

Dear Poonam,

This is not an issue that is happening only to you. So, you need to face this. First, try to think why your boss is starting to avoid you. There will definitely be a certain reason for avoiding you. It may be your behavior, technical skills, or issues in the reporting system. It could also be that your colleague is giving negative feedback to him. Therefore, find out the exact problem and try to minimize it. Don't do anything that your boss doesn't like. By doing so, you will be able to sort out the problems.

Thanks.

Hi Chams,

I am working in a software company. During some discussions, he already mentioned, "what is my role in HR Function?" then suddenly changed the topic. After that, if people meet him directly with any issues related to HR, he is not referring or discussing with me. What should I do? I have already discussed with him about the delegation of HR work to me but no use. Please help me.

Regards,
Usha

Hi Sara,

I have tried twice, but he has not responded properly. Whenever he talks to me, he is very rigid. Okay, I will try talking to him again.

Thanks & Regards,
Poonam

Hi Badlu,

Thanks for your response.

I am not recruited as an assistant. I am an independent HR handling all HR functions, and I have experience of more than 6 years, having handled employee relations for over 4 years.

The problem lies with the director only. He doesn't appreciate my growth within the organization and wants to take over my role. Apart from the director, everybody is satisfied with my decision-making and my approach to managing people.

Don't underestimate anybody.

Regards,
Poonam

First mistake an individual makes is that he/she tries to repulse any insecurity or threat encountered, and makes an opinion or draws boundaries with that. This leads to isolation and low morale.

A similar case is with both of you, your director as well as with you. You need to convince your boss and ensure him that you are strengthening his position with your expertise. Additionally, you need to coordinate with others too.

Leaving in the face of difficulties will make you weak for your future assignments. Whatever may be the consequences, try to learn and improve.

Dear Poonam,

First and foremost, you should not think of leaving your job. Once you start doing this, it will be an endless affair in your career. Rather than being too sentimental, please look for reasons as to why your boss is not permitting you to handle. Maybe you are yet to win his confidence. Therefore, show commitment and work hard. Give good suggestions but do not expect that they should be implemented. Don't lose heart if your suggestions are thrown in the dustbin. You need to wear the professional garb while handling HR function. Please also understand that in a recession, all functions leading to development will be halted. For example, research and development, training and development, human resources development, etc. Staff utilization will be restructured, and more importance will be given to production, marketing, etc.

The employment scenario currently does not provide for any risky decision (if you need a job most). You need to show patience, commitment, hard work, and above all, value to your employer. Value giving is important in a crisis situation. Globally, most of the organizations are like this. Individual preferences will override procedural norms.

For a minute, put yourself into the shoes of your boss. You wear a different hat, and your thinking will entirely change. And finally, one small suggestion. When you are driven by emotions, do not take any decision but drink a glass of cold water. The water will chill your heated blood and brain.

All the Best.

Always remember, don't talk. If you will talk, this will give negative feedback to you. Then your boss will understand you are forcing him. You can sort out the problems when you will come to know why he is avoiding you. Try to reduce that, then the rest all will be fine. Best of luck.

Hi,

At this juncture where the market is really bad and projected to get even worse, my advice would be not to leave your current job even if you have an offer in hand. Because during layoffs, people who have recently joined would be mainly targeted unless their position is very important.

Hi Poonam, I think you should not leave the job. Sit with your boss and sort out the issue. During a recession period, it is very risky to leave a job. Alternatively, think in a positive manner that this is a challenge for you to prove yourself and move ahead.

Hi Geetha & Sweta,

What you said is right. I won't take a risk. Instead, I will sit with the director to resolve this or I will take this as a challenge.

Thanks & Regards,
Poonam

Hi,

Option 1: HR, even at a very senior level, cannot always be considered a strategic role. Line Managers will have the upper hand, and in India, HR still carries a 'supporting function' image. When Business Heads order hiring, HR will perform. When business forecasting fails, HR can expect another order - to retrench employees. Here, HR professionals may not always be able to act empathetically towards those facing job loss; your job is to support the business. Similarly, do not expect the CEO to consult you for HR issues (even if the CEO lacks expertise in HR or IR) every time. Another aspect of your situation could be a lack of confidence in your abilities. Therefore, I suggest focusing on your activities, striving to deliver the best output, and making your CEO feel that 'this person can handle this.'

Option 2: If you are truly uncomfortable in such a position, consider leaving the job and facing the challenge of finding your dream job.

Dear Poonam,

You have not mentioned your post/profile in the conversation. Don't take it otherwise.

The profile and powers of a director do not involve forwarding all the matters related or not related to you. Being in an executive cadre profile and up to the Assistant Manager profile, one cannot expect that every piece of information shall be passed to him/her from their reporting officer/HOD/Directors. Don't you think that you are expecting something which is next to impossible? Why should a director pass on every message to you?

Instead, try to frame a policy where everything is forwarded by you to your director. Everything comes to you first, and then it is forwarded to the director along with your comments and suggestions. You have to try hard to convince your director that you are working as an assistant to him, so he must utilize your services, and by doing this, he is maintaining his hierarchy and dignity. Everything related to HR shall be forwarded to you by all the employees so that the director is less burdened and has sufficient time to get involved in productive tasks.

Also, the same scenario is created by the experienced officers to know your tolerance level and how you react to the situation. Hence, my suggestion is don't get frustrated and aggressive. Keep calm and don't react to the situation. Everything becomes normal after some time. I can talk a lot on this, but I don't have time. I shall get back to you some other day.

Don't leave the job. Stick to it. Wait for normalization. Be calm with the director. Always talk to him with a relaxed face with a smile, as if you don't care and do have sufficient expertise to handle the situation and undue pressure.

With Best Wishes,

R. K. TIWARI
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
Human Resource and Administration

From your post, it appears that your boss's judgment about your performance is unsatisfactory. You must perform better to get acknowledgement and appreciation. I think your experience in years does not count as much as the working exposure all facets of HR are more important to measure experience in weightage rather than in the number of years.

Rashid

Dear Tiwariji,

While I also posted my reply to Poonam, your detailed response to Poonam is not only helpful to Poonam alone but to all the people who are in such a dilemma. To be honest, I use the exact words that you use with some of my colleagues down the line - PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ANY HASTY DECISION (especially in India where we are just facing a 'slow down' - not a recession).

It is easy to quit a job, but it is very difficult to find an alternative. Just for the sake of words, 'A known devil is better than an unknown devil.' Thank you for all your kind words.

HI POONAM - It is nice to note that you are responding positively to your Co-HR people's opinions. You can certainly do it, and you can do it successfully. All the very best. Cheers!

Sundar from Chennai
HEAD - HR & Admn (GIIPL)