Feeling Lost as a New HR Trainee in Manufacturing? How Do You Handle Criticism and Learn on the Job?

I recently completed my MSW (HR) and have been working in a manufacturing plant for three months as an HR trainee. There are only 200 members in this plant, and I am the HR. My seniors didn't teach me any processes related to HR. I am making decisions individually, but they found mistakes and started scolding me over the phone. How can I overcome this situation?

Dear Yashoda SD,

It is good to note that you have secured a job as an HR Trainee. Congratulations!

Challenges of Working Alone in HR

Working all alone in the HR department can be challenging. When one works in a full-fledged HR Department, the subordinates are under the manager's wing. Additionally, there are peers from whom one can learn. In contrast, while working alone in the department, one gets exposed to the harshness of loneliness. However, this very harshness will make you strong. Never forget a famous quote: "the toughest of tough steel has to pass through the hottest of the hot fire." Therefore, continue with your employment without losing your spirit.

Handling Criticism and Scolding

Scolding juniors is common. It does not depend on whether one is working alone or with colleagues in the department. Look around, and you could find the HODs rebuking their juniors. Do you think that managers do not get reprimanded by the Directors or the MDs? They do, but they take the criticism in their stride, learn from it, and move on.

Yes, putting up with the reproach is not easy. It can leave scars on one's mind. However, you may start making notes of why you were scolded, on what point you were scolded, and who scolded you. When you make notes, you can find a pattern. Avoid repeating the mistakes you made in the past.

Becoming Proactive and Improving Practices

Additionally, find out how you can be proactive. You need to be proactive in taking action as well as in your communication. Improve your record management practices and identify the scope to do cross-referencing. This will make your work easier.

Addressing Academic and Work Mismatch

Lastly, about the mismatch between your academics and the work exposure you are getting. The mismatch between what you learned in MSW and what is happening in the department could demotivate you. You may even curse yourself for doing MSW. However, now you cannot undo the past. Therefore, show perseverance and identify the scope to implement the knowledge you gained. Yes, this is a time-consuming process, but the implementation of knowledge will give you a sense of fulfillment and help you overcome the shortcomings of your job.

I wish you all the best!

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Yashoda, navigating your role as a new HR trainee in a manufacturing plant with little guidance can be challenging. Here are steps to help you overcome the situation and succeed in your role:

Seek Feedback Constructively

Ask for Specific Feedback: When you are told you made a mistake, ask for specific details on what went wrong and how it can be corrected. This shows you are committed to improving.

Document Feedback: Keep a record of the feedback and mistakes pointed out. This will help you track your progress and ensure you don't repeat the same errors.

Self-Education and Research

Leverage Online Resources: Use reputable HR websites, online courses, and forums to learn more about HR processes and best practices. Websites like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) offer valuable resources.

Read Relevant Books: Books on HR management can provide in-depth knowledge. Some recommended ones are "HR from the Outside In" by Dave Ulrich, "The HR Scorecard" by Brian E. Becker, Mark A. Huselid, and Dave Ulrich, and "First Break All the Rules" by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman.

Build a Support Network

Connect with Peers: Network with other HR professionals through LinkedIn or local HR associations. Joining groups and attending webinars can provide insights and support.

Mentorship: If possible, find a mentor within or outside your organization who can provide guidance and advice.

Develop a Structured Plan

Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop SOPs for common HR tasks. This ensures consistency and helps in reducing mistakes.

Regular Self-Review: Set aside time each week to review your work and identify areas for improvement.

Communicate Proactively

Update Your Superiors: Regularly update your seniors about your progress, challenges, and plans. This can preempt some criticisms and show you are proactive.

Request Regular Check-ins: Ask for regular meetings with your supervisor to discuss your performance and get guidance.

Learn from Mistakes

Reflect on Errors: Take time to analyze what went wrong and how you can avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Implement Changes: Based on feedback, make necessary adjustments to your processes or approach.

Professional Development

Attend Workshops and Seminars: Participate in HR workshops and seminars to gain knowledge and network with other HR professionals.

Certifications: Consider pursuing HR certifications like SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar credentials to enhance your skills and credibility.

Seek Clarity

Clarify Expectations: Ensure you understand what is expected of you in your role. If job responsibilities are unclear, ask your supervisors for a detailed job description.

Prioritize Tasks: Focus on the most critical tasks first. If you're unsure, ask which tasks are highest priority.

Stay Positive and Patient

Maintain a Positive Attitude: Understand that mistakes are part of the learning process. Stay positive and patient with yourself as you grow into your role.

Stress Management: Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, or hobbies to maintain your mental well-being.

By taking these steps, you can improve your performance, gain confidence, and establish yourself as a competent HR professional in your manufacturing plant.

Thanks,

Both Dinesh and Raghunath have given valid points. I want to add one more point. It will add significant value to your profile if you learn, experiment, and achieve success independently. You will have many opportunities to learn from your own mistakes, and you may need some support. Get connected with knowledgeable and experienced people and seek their advice as well.

Wishing you all the success in your endeavors.

Lifelong Learning in HR

Realize the fact that you are a learner and will remain so throughout your career and lifetime. Don't expect others to teach you. We can't stop learning. It's not possible to learn and master all the nuances in the field just by completing a course or degree or during a training period alone. Real-time incidents are always a good teacher. Learn from experience, and you will become an expert later on, after a few years. It's beneficial that during your early career, you come across such things. Imagine what would happen if these things occurred when you become a senior after a few years. Take these things in your stride, don't worry too much. If you make mistakes or mistakes happen that are attributed to you, learn from them and be alert not to repeat them. That will make you a good HR professional.

Challenges in a Career in HR

A career in HR is full of challenges since you are dealing with humans, not machines. Machines work by the rule, but humans work to break it. That's the reality. Be bold, face situations without shirking, seek guidance from experts (citeHR has plenty to offer for free), read available online references, and talk to experts if the need arises. Think carefully before making decisions, and it's important to consult with your seniors. Ego often plays a role in decision-making. Master all applied rules and regulations, arm yourself with them when facing challenges; that will make you an expert. Feel free to discuss any specific problems here; you will surely receive appropriate guidance. All the best.