✍🏽 How do you handle teams that see HR (admin) as there to serve THEM, rather than as a part of the actual team?
Context: My org doesn’t have “HR” but we do have a few admin folks trying to implement better systems/processes and a lot of the feedback we’ve gotten has been “That feels too much like real departments supporting admin rather than admin supporting us.” SMALL company – 23 employees, nonprofit industry.
📣 Heather Lange, HR Manager at Yanfeng:
Unfortunately, HR is often not seen as part of the “team.” I am lucky enough to work where we are part of the team… yet it still sometimes happens. The one thing I will say is kudos to you for working on implementing better systems/processes. Change can be difficult, especially in smaller organizations. HR/Admins are “real” departments. Many don’t realize the amount of work that gets piled on an admin.
New process implementations can often fall flat and not get the support if the stakeholders don’t realize the full potential and the “why” behind a change is needed. Having the other departments buy-in on the new changes will make or break the implementation. Ensure you and your team take the time to sell them on the “why” and benefits it will bring to the non-profit as a whole. Perhaps it may seem like more work for them, but it would be a benefit to the overall organization. Especially if it captures data, which can help an organization see where they really stand and how to improve in the long run.
✍🏽 What do I do? I’ve been on a new team with an inexperienced manager for two years. We lack clear direction and face a lot of controlled chaos and I’m frustrated and don’t believe in my manager’s abilities. I’ve expressed my concerns and offered my assistance and insight. My manager took it personally and offensively. Now, I’m unsure about staying in my current position and don’t feel safe to express myself further.
Context: Project management office (6 employees) of a financial institution with over 1200 employees.
📣 Lisa Van Lenner – VP, Operations, People & Culture at Mythical:
Working in chaos is stressful, but feeling unsafe in your working environment is dangerous. It’s probably time for you to look elsewhere, but here’s some advice in the meantime while you look for the next opportunity:
- Be honest about what is in and out of your control. The projects/workflows/relationships where you have some autonomy — use it! And where you can’t, don’t take it personally. Direct your energy into the spaces it will be most productive.
- Brush up that resume! While you’re looking for new roles you may see some required experience you haven’t had the chance to practice yet. See if there are spaces where you can get that experience while you’re still in the job that’s paying you. There’s a whole world outside your team (1,194 other people to learn from, in fact). Maybe it’s time to do some exploring.
- Is it worth giving it one last try? Knowing that you’re one foot out the door is sometimes the best time to spread your wings (or throw some ‘bows). If you feel like your attempts at offering help aren’t going to be accepted, maybe just…. do it anyway? Two years is a long time to work under the shadow of someone you don’t trust. If it’s not going to harm someone, the business, or yourself, one last hail mary might be fun?
📣 Patricia Wortham – Head of Operations at Cyper Tech Inc.:
Time to transfer 🤸🤸🤸♂️
