Navigating Power Struggles with a Senior Manager in a New HR Role: How Can I Cope?

As I am working in a steel plant as an HR executive and I am a new entrant in the steel plant where no HR department existed in the past. The store persons were handling the HR department.

The main problem is not just HR; the issue lies with the general manager (58 years old) who is courageous and intelligent enough to handle the entire plant. However, he has an attitude problem as he has previously worked with well-known organizations and always tries to implement his policies and exert his power. He does not want the plant owner to interfere with his working style. He consistently demoralizes me, speaks rudely, and states that I am not capable of managing the plant.

I am trying to find a solution and navigate this tricky situation. Help me out, HR guys.

Regards,
DSP

Dear DSP,

As a new entrant, treat this opportunity as a challenge. Learn from the positive aspects rather than focusing on the negative. Considering your younger age, try not to take things too much to heart. If you can prove yourself in challenging situations, you will undoubtedly progress in life. Consider moving on after a while, once you have gained sufficient knowledge and experience.

Regards,

Dear Darshan,

I think this is your first job. You do not focus on what he (your boss) is doing or his attitude. Probably, you are not experienced enough to understand his attitude. As I think he is a perfectly loving person, that is why he is able to run the whole plant single-handed. Instead, focus your attention on learning as much as you can. Later on, if you do not find it easy, then consider switching to another opportunity.

Thanks and regards,
Anand

Dear Darshan,

Everyone has given you the right advice. You are not the only one who is facing this problem; it is happening at lots and lots of places. Try your best, keep your mind cool, and try to learn as much as you can. Handle that person tactfully and work as he wants; this will make your life easier over there. Make a firm determination in your heart that you have to grow and prosper in this field and keep trying; lots and lots of opportunities are waiting for you. I know if you keep trying, very soon you will say goodbye to this place, and before leaving, don't forget to say thanks to that HR genius.

We are all here to help you and guide you. If you need any advice, we are all here to support you.

Good luck and prove yourself because you have to go high and don't let those people bother you because they have to spend the rest of their lives there, and you are not like them, and you don't want to become one of them.

I quote you lines from the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost:

"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."

Bibhutosh Bhadauria

Dear DSP,

Rude and negative attitudes are prevalent everywhere, often in significant numbers. If you are not reactive and not keen on learning new things, this situation could present a significant challenge. Considering you work in the steel industry, it may seem like your boss has a heart of steel, which may be why he demoralizes others.

Do not adopt the same negative attitude from him. Instead, practice patience and perseverance. Over time, you will find yourself better equipped to handle arrogance.

Good luck

One more point to add: rewrite the word problem into an opportunity. Then, you will notice a difference, and there will be a way to find a solution.

Hello dsp,

Be grateful for what you have now. As you begin to think about all the things in your life you are grateful for, you will be amazed at the never-ending thoughts that come back to you of more things to be grateful for. You have to make a start, and then the law of attraction will receive those grateful thoughts and give you more just like them.

Regards,
Aman

Hi dsp, as it is an opportunity to learn, don't lose heart. Take everything as good for your future. Move with the workers freely and win their confidence, which will be an asset for your future. Also, try to think positively and help the gentleman understand the same by keeping yourself closer to him. Show respect to him so that he will definitely understand you one day.

Hi Darshan,

Based on my experience, I believe this is the right opportunity for you to become a successful person. First, try to understand the senior person's character - who he is and why he behaves the way he does. Slowly approach him to ask some questions, but remember not to offer any suggestions initially as that may put him in a defensive mood. Considering his age is almost 60, focus on making a good impression first. Once you feel he is open to input, that is the right time to share your suggestions. If you are not keen on this job, remember there may not be many other opportunities like this, so it's important to be patient and have knowledge of human psychology. Take some time to grasp the organizational structure before making any decisions. By observing and learning from him, you can easily adapt and excel in any workplace. He can serve as a role model for you. Keep moving forward and wait for the right moment.

Regards, Vasanth

Dear DSP,

It is an everyday issue. Even after 20 years of reaching the top position, I am still facing the same challenges. We encounter police officers, bus conductors, security personnel, political leaders, and local tough guys. You cannot stop them. If you show fear when looking at a dog, the dog will chase you. Enjoy your work and try to adhere to the 90-10 rule.

Best wishes

It is a problem unless you allow it to be a problem. Perhaps you are the first professional HR person there. Till this time, the old man must have been handling HR-related works himself. Anyway, if he has been efficient and producing results, he should be a rich resource of knowledge and techniques. You would do well to learn from him. Keep your cool and proceed to learn.

Life is full of insurmountable opportunities. Good luck.

Srinivasan