How Do You Manage When Everyone Acts Like the Boss in a Long-Established Company?

I am working in a manufacturing SME company. I am the only new HR person here. I just started the HR department here. The people working here are really old; they have been with the company for 10 to 20 years. Even the peon has been working here since the company started.

My problem is everybody works and behaves like a boss, and I don't know how to handle this. Although my boss is quite happy with my work, everybody asks about my work whatever assignment is given to me as I am assisting them.

What should I do, start buttering them or follow their instructions? Until now, I have worked as I wanted to, never assisting anybody, but it creates problems for me because behavior has changed among the employees. I don't know how to handle this.

Hi Sarita,

Nothing to worry, create a system or frame guidelines (in discussion with your head or all heads of your company) for all the processes you handle and strictly follow it. Don't be submissive when you talk with people, be assertive. Answer the following questions:

Do you feel people use me for their work?
Do you feel people don't listen to my words?
Do you feel only the age criteria is the gap?

Let me know... we can do this...

No, they won't be able to use me for their work because I always show them that I'm busy. Yes, this is a problem as they don't listen. Yes, there is an age gap, and they are more senior. I joined this company 3 months ago, and they have been here for 15 years.

[QUOTE=sarita_thakur12345;903386]

I am working in a manufacturing SME company.

Dear Sarita,

I am not mistaken; this firm is a 100% family-controlled business. They might be working here in close proximity to the owner. Over a period of 10/20 years, hierarchy factors may have been eliminated, though physically it may still exist.

All this happens in small-scale organizations where the workforce composition usually comprises older cadre people. It is the tendency of human beings to become accustomed to the prevailing circumstances, acquire the environment's traits, and become rigid and inflexible to change.

In such a scenario, people consider themselves dominant and powerful and do not listen to the new cadre people. Even a peon might not give you the right kind of response and may not be cooperative.

There is only one solution through which you can overcome this. Know the business, its people's strengths and weaknesses insightfully, harness opportunities whenever they arise, become dominant when necessary. Do not fear; make them understand your importance to the organization and to them. You will have to struggle a bit more to establish yourself as a quality worker in their eyes. Position yourself appropriately to win them over.

There will be quarrels, differences of opinion, and thoughts that you have to eliminate by showing persistence in efforts to bring about change. Initially, they may not respond well to change; you need to understand their normative orientation, draw up a plan, and then execute it.

"People do not change themselves; Environmental changes bring change in People."

Regards,

Avinash Singh

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Mob: 09604335239

You are right. The company is not a family business, but yes, the people here are working until the company starts. What they have in their minds is to develop a company. The company is running just due to them. Seriously, it's a really strange situation for me. Well, I will work it out. Thanks.

Hi Sarita,

Practically speaking, you are a threat to your colleagues! The problem is, what you feel is right, will be wrong for them, sort of a generation gap. What you do is, go by the individual, read people's behavior and their pattern of behavior, update them with the latest news/technologies, all because of creating your identity and making them feel that you are with them. This process will take a reasonable time; you should not give up. Practice, if you have any queries, do post me, and keep rocking.

Hi chum,

You are right. I am afraid of my senior. Even I was not able to speak out whatever they said was right. But now I am changing myself; this has happened three months ago. Now, I am trying my level best. Even now, my boss has started listening to my views and even applied the same if he likes. But, on some days, things go beyond my control, and I really get depressed.

As I started giving offer letters to new employees, the receptionist has a very different attitude, saying I am increasing the cost of the company by using paper. I started payments should be in an envelope to whom we pay cash with the name and amount. Again, she comes out with the same reaction, saying I am wasting. You can't do anything for us (like bonus, gifts).

Although I have proposed to my boss regarding the gift for Diwali, he is ready to give a gift voucher. I am confused about what they really want. I stopped deducting the amount for coming (relief increased).

Hi Sarita,

You can't satisfy an individual or a group to the fullest of their expectation. As I said, you have to create a system, such that when you follow a certain system, people will not question you. Don't go or do things the way you want, which will pull you and end up in trouble. Why? Because people will question you, and to the extent, they will yell at you. So, as an HR professional, negotiate with people and finalize a system where everybody will feel happy and safe. Let me know if you have any queries.

"But this hectic life has its own fun. I will arrange things the way I want. Thanks for the suggestions, chum. - Avinash"

I agree with Chum. First, you should develop interpersonal relationships with your seniors. They are all experienced people, and that's why this situation is common in many companies. You only have 3 months of experience, so you need to wait for some time. Surely, you will see some changes from your seniors. Also, analyze their attitudes; it will be useful to connect with your seniors.

Yes, I agree, sir. I have started making them feel like I am here to learn from them. I asked simple questions, and they feel happy now. As a chum, you suggest that I am working like a team now. We are planning a get-together on Diwali. I have given the whole responsibility, but I involved everybody in decisions like the menu, etc. I feel a change, not a lot, but it's starting to work.