Dear seniors,

Let me quickly brief you about the situation I am facing. I started working in an organization as an HR executive two years ago. When I joined, there was an admin officer to whom I was reporting. However, within two months of my joining, the entire management team changed, and even my reporting admin officer left. The entire HR responsibility then fell on me. Unfortunately, the previous management had no system and no proper documentation for anything. It was really difficult to understand and deliver the tasks with very little or no information. Somehow, I was able to manage.

Our new head of management began asking for proof for everything, which we did not have at all. He started shouting and scolding us. Whenever we went to him, he only pointed out negatives in our work and tried to find faults. The word of appreciation is not in his dictionary. He speaks very rudely to all of us and behaves as if he is superior, while making us feel inferior. This daily torture is affecting my confidence and morale. Because of this, I am making more mistakes, which I know is not acceptable. I am struggling to figure out how to handle this situation without hurting anybody's ego.

Desperately waiting for advice... Thanks in advance.

Regards, Pooja

From India, Bangalore
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Dear Pooja,

Handling tough bosses is a part of life. We all go through it at some time or another. As Stephen Covey put it, evaluate your options and try to be proactive. The general approach is 'don't take it to heart'. Ignore it as you would treat a barking dog. All of us should examine the FREEDOM TO CHOOSE - to quote Stephen Covey again. Many articles have appeared on the topic of tough bosses in Cite HR. Please browse them and see how you can benefit from them.

V.Raghunathan

From India
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nathrao
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Handling a Difficult Boss: Strategies for Success

You have worked for two years. What steps have you taken to streamline work? Now, you need to be tactful and proactive. Try to move things forward as much as possible in a proactive manner. Do not get disheartened by a difficult boss. Unfortunately, just as there are problematic subordinates, there are also problematic bosses. Dealing with such a boss provides you with valuable knowledge and tact. Ignore barbs and criticism, and strive to be as professional as possible. Keep documenting your work and keep him in the loop.

Do not worry too much about hurting some people's egos. Avoid it as much as you can, but when it is necessary to tell the truth or present facts, do not worry about egos. Ensure the accuracy of your work. Many bosses have fragile egos and believe they are the ultimate authority. However, you must learn to handle such individuals. Take your time and avoid mistakes. Do not let him undermine your confidence; focus on producing results. The boss may change, or if things do not improve, consider looking for alternative jobs.

Regards,
[Username]

From India, Pune
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Challenges in Managing HR Operations Across Regions

I want to quote one more thing here. I am working in Dubai, and the head office is in India. We have to seek approval for everything, whether it's an increment, fitment, promotion, or separation. For the past two years, we have been able to establish proper procedures and standards in recruitment, streamline payroll procedures, introduce some employee benefit programs, and implement an appraisal system. We have also prepared policies and requested circulation, but the response from him was very poor. He mentioned that we already have policies prepared by an external consultant that have been sent for approval, but to date, we have not received anything. Even for sending a simple circular, he does not easily accept. Amidst daily activities, I hardly have time to think about anything. After completing everything, he remains unsatisfied.

We are not clear about what he exactly expects from us. Some of the formats and procedures we are currently following were instructed by him, but at times, he claims that everything we are doing is wrong. It's painful.

Regards,
Pooja

From India, Bangalore
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Evaluating Your Fit and Capabilities

You joined the company two years ago, and your management changed after two months, meaning you had 20 months to get things right. Even after one and a half years, you do not have a system for doing work, your documentation is not in place, you do not have proof of the things you have done, and you are making mistakes all the time. On top of everything, you are an expat and therefore a high-cost resource (probably requiring perks like housing, etc.). And you expect the manager to be happy and pat you on the back. It's unlikely to happen.

We don't know your position, qualification, or experience prior to this. So we don't know whether you should have known what you are asked to do, but it appears your boss thinks these are things you are supposed to know.

You need to evaluate whether you are fit and capable of doing this job. If your knowledge and experience are inadequate to do the work, then you should be looking for another job that you can do and learn your way up, perhaps a job that has a senior who will guide and train you. The other option is to take time off and go for training that will give you the required skill set.

From India, Mumbai
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Other senior members have given their views. Since I also hold similar views, these do not merit reiteration. Now I would like to look at the other side.

Informal Communication and Personality Contrast

Your first post is written in informal language. Should we construe your post as an informal attitude itself? Now, in contrast, if your boss is methodical or fastidious, then your personalities are contrasting with each other.

From both of your posts, if we read between the lines, we find a lack of managerial grace in your boss. However, at this stage, you may recollect on what occasions your boss had scolded you. Make a list of such instances and find out whether any pattern emerges. Make two lists, one for you and one for others. When you document his behavior, you should be able to understand his psychology.

Challenges of Inexperience and Responsibility

Your problem is that you should have worked under an experienced HR Manager. Hardly had you joined when the Admin Managers, to whom you were reporting, also left. Therefore, the mantle of change fell on your shoulders. But then you were not prepared to shoulder this responsibility.

When a person works in a very organized company, when he/she leaves that job, he/she tries to replicate the good practices of his/her past company. Your problem is your lack of exposure. This is also one of the factors that are putting you on the spot.

Evaluating Systems and Procedures

Lastly, you are a little vague when you say "there were no systems and procedures" when you joined. But then what change did you bring in? Did you try to showcase it to your boss?

If the work atmosphere is too frustrating, then you may look for a change. However, in your next job, make sure that you have someone to guide you.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

From India, Bangalore
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Improving Workplace Dynamics

One thing is clear: the boss is difficult. However, the employee has also shown gaps in performance. The employee must first focus on what she can control—performance, improved knowledge, and putting things right in her sphere of activity. Probably, the boss, seeing the state of things, is venting his unhappiness. If things improve, he may also become more congenial.

Focus on what change you can bring to your work. The boss may lack grace, but even difficult bosses can change for the better when positive results flow.

From India, Pune
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Navigating Workplace Challenges with a Difficult Boss

The only dictum: "The boss is always right." If you do not agree with it, your future career graph may be bleak.

To tackle the issue, whenever you are documenting a case, be specific about past records and clearly mention if such records are unavailable. This is for your safety. Then, ask your boss for a meeting and tell him that you require some guidance on how to update records. Take a specific file and seek his advice. He may bluff as he might not know much, but do appreciate how helpful he is. Assure him that you will be updating the past records gradually. Tell him directly that you consider him your mentor and that it becomes stressful for you if rebuked incessantly.

Always be polite and never blame anybody. Things will change. All the best.

Regards

From India, Ahmedabad
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Hi PVenu,

Dissent is the essence of management, which is a truism. However, in practical life, those who dissent are often sidelined. The reason for dissent is never properly analyzed by the bosses. Some bosses treat dissent as an indicator that the employee wants to leave the job, rather than seeing it as an indication of the employee's engagement with the job. The "my way or the highway" style is practiced by many managers.

Thank you.

From India, Pune
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Thank you very much for your valuable input. I would like to tell you that the documents have been in place since I joined. Yes, I am an expat, and comparatively, my cost to the company is not high as I am on my spouse visa, and we do not have any other perks apart from the salary. I have all the proof of what I have done from my first day until today, and my immediate manager is aware of it. I am solely responsible for maintaining employee files, updating details in soft copy, recruitment, onboarding, induction, issuing appointment letters, coordinating with PRO for new visas, visa renewals, and labor card processes, payroll, and issuing required letters to employees (salary certificates, NOCs, service certificates, etc). I am not seeking recognition from my boss, but he is aware of the situation. He never clearly communicates what he expects us to do. However, when we present our work to him, he often complains that things are not correct and sometimes changes his instructions, even forgetting them at times.

I hold an MBA degree with a specialization in HR and have around 4 years of experience in India. I have worked with different bosses before and have never faced such issues.

We have very limited freedom to implement new ideas. In my opinion, I am performing my job exceptionally well, exceeding expectations. If it were just a matter of issues with my boss, I might consider looking for another job. However, many others are also encountering similar problems. I strongly believe that learning is a continuous process, and staying updated with the latest trends is essential.

Warm regards,

Pooja

From India, Bangalore
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I apologize if there is anything wrong in my post because I posted it when I was totally frustrated. I agree with your point as there may be a difference in personalities. I will sit and analyze where things are going wrong and what his psychology is. Specifically regarding the systems and procedures, there was no format for any offer/appointment letter, experience letter, no proper employee database, no proper salary bill, and all employee files were incomplete. There were no basic policies for leave and attendance.

I will do my best to meet his expectations. If things remain the same, then I have no choice. Yes, I should be cautious before taking up my next job.

Regards,
Pooja

From India, Bangalore
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Dear Seniors,

I thank you all for your support and feedback. I will definitely review my performance once again and make sure to keep a record of all my achievements, no matter how small. This way, I will have proof to show my boss.

Regards,
Pooja

From India, Bangalore
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Please review your post once more. You hold an MBA in HR and have 4 years of experience (now 6) in a company that already had established systems in place. Contrary to what was implied in your initial two posts, you are not new or untrained due to your prior work experience. It is unclear why you did not disclose these facts initially. Doing so would have prevented other members from making irrelevant comments that now seem out of place.

Despite your background and experience, you seem to be struggling to meet expectations. You are making mistakes and not fulfilling your responsibilities. I have clients in Dubai, where tasks similar to yours are typically handled by one person (depending on the company's size). Therefore, your duties are not extraordinary. However, if you fail to perform adequately, it affects the overall work. You have not mentioned the specific mistakes your boss criticizes or provided examples of his alleged unfair feedback.

The concluding part of your post caught my attention. If you were alone, you would have sought a different job. However, since many others share your dislike for the boss, you hesitate to leave. What is your true intention? Are you seeking advice on how to have the boss replaced?

I hope this feedback is helpful to you.

Best regards, [Your Name]

From India, Mumbai
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Handling Difficult Situations in HR

Handling difficult situations is an art to learn, and we should always try to achieve this skill by learning from our mistakes. No one can be expected to have complete command of all the policies. HR is a very tricky and sensitive field where you need to balance between management, other managers, and staff.

We used to face unwanted pressures from different corners, but with some thought-provoking tactics, we can handle the situations. I hope you now have an idea of how to navigate such difficult situations.

Regards,
Optimus Consultants

From India
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Dear Saswata, I have no intention to replace anyone. I mentioned that I am new to the organization and unfamiliar with Dubai labor laws. While I am trained in HR, I lack experience with UAE labor laws. Our organization has about 275 employees.

Examples of Challenges

1) We are in the education industry and recruit teachers. The academic team conducts interviews, and based on their feedback, we seek final approval from my boss. Once, I scheduled an interview for a teacher. As per the principal's instruction, I was taking the candidate to the principal's cabin. On the way, my boss met me and asked who she was and what was happening. I explained, but in front of the candidate, he questioned why I hadn't informed him about the schedule and asked me to send the candidate back and call her tomorrow. He criticized HR's performance, which was embarrassing and painful in front of the candidate.

2) I once called a candidate for an assistant teacher position. We even recruit graduates for this role. At that time, there was also a vacancy for a secretary, and the candidate had similar experience. I checked if she was interested in the vacant position, and she agreed. I took her CV to my boss and explained. When I took her to him, he asked when she applied for the job and how many times. She mentioned uploading her resume on the website several times. He wanted exact dates. We get CVs from our website and contact candidates if there is a vacancy. He then called me to his chamber and asked why I hadn't called her earlier since she had sent her CV multiple times. Again, he criticized HR in front of the candidate.

3) He specified a format for the salary bill initially. After a few months, he said certain columns should not be included. Whatever I did seemed wrong. When I mentioned it was as per his guidelines, he denied saying that. I still have the corrected papers.

4) Even when we take a small letter or file for his signature, he says it's incorrect. For example, we follow an employee information sheet format in each personal file, approved by him. Yet, every time I take a new employee file for his signature, he suggests different changes.

To be honest, I am comfortable and enjoy my work, despite the pressure. I have never claimed to do anything extraordinary. However, being told I'm wrong affects my confidence and morale. I don't think changing jobs is the solution. I want to correct myself if I'm wrong. I believe I am doing justice to my profile. I'm not claiming perfection, but I am willing to learn and adopt good practices.

Thanks and regards,

Pooja

From India, Bangalore
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Madam,

Willingness to learn, adopt, and adapt is the best way to progress. Learn from errors and honestly introspect. It is always easy to justify and say the boss is difficult. It may not always be true; the problem may be that one does not understand what the boss wants in work, in the same meaning/form of what he expects. Eventually, a good and willing employee will be successful in the long run. All the best.

From India, Pune
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Improving Communication with Management

It would have been better if you had explained the details at the start. You have given examples that seem to follow a pattern where the person in charge has varying requirements that change from time to time. In addition, he seems to have already decided that you don't do your work properly, which may stem from his experience with you earlier. The place does not seem to have a set procedure. However, others in the organization may see things differently.

One option is to ask him for advice on how to improve. You may get an idea of what he expects. A second option is to keep him informed of all actions you are taking so he is aware of them. Then he can instruct you to the contrary if he feels it is necessary. Third, when you take any letter to him, tell him it's based on the format he approved last time. Or even better, take his advice before you make the letter on whether you should use the format used for the xyz case.

From India, Mumbai
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Apologies if my post did not give a clear picture. And as you said, he has a preoccupied mindset against a few people. We do not have any complete systems; loopholes are there. Next time onwards, I will follow your tips. Let's see how things work. Thank you for your valuable time and inputs.

Regards,
Pooja

From India, Bangalore
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Like Saswata Banerjee mentioned, a clear pattern does seem to be emerging from the multiple posts from you. Since your current boss seems to have joined this company as a part of the takeover deal, it's also quite possible that he himself is trying to make his mark in this new setup. When things don't work fast or well enough, he tries to find fault with others.

It also emerges that he 'seems' to have a semblance of 'NOT' taking responsibility for his actions, leading to a toxic environment at work. I can only see things moving in the direction of you moving out of this company. Just put in your best as long as you work here with your eyes wide open.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

From India, Hyderabad
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