Hi guys
I've been in HR for 2 years at the same company, I have recently been promoted to HR Officer and sponsored to do my level 7, which is great. I was promised exposure and shadowing etc, but after 5/6 months, this has happened only once in the form of shadowing a meeting. I feel I am stood still, and not gaining any more experience.
I have twice met with my manager in recent months to express my need to be challenged, and to get more involved, not only in terms of personal development, but also for my level 7, and to benefit the company. I have made it clear that I will do this on top of my current duties. I was told my ideas were really good, and that she would look at getting me in touch with the right people. Still no change. I know she thinks highly of me and was worried I was going to leave, so I don't understand.
I'm now thinking of putting together a written proposal of my ideas, and what I want to get involved in and why. Does this sound like a good idea, or maybe a waste of time? If I still don't get anywhere, maybe it is time to move on.
Thanks, Tracey
Replies
Came across this slideshare on branding which links to this discussion: http://community.dpgplc.co.uk/video/build-your-brand
Hope you find it useful :-)
Deb
Your profile is hugely important both internally and externally Tracey so don't ever be put off from sharing your ideas. Unfortunately internal culture and politics seems to stand in the way of us sharing our ideas to those people that might actually like to hear them or benefit from them. Sadly in some organisations idea sharing isn't as open as it should be as SOME people don't like others having great ideas and getting credit for it which they feel then makes them look bad and they feel threatened. I'm not saying this is the case with your manager but it's worth being aware of.
Your company obviously sees the potential and invested in your development but you sound like me, you want things to move quickly and make yourself heard and make things happen. There is of course a right way and a wrong to do this but if I were you I would approach your manager and ask (or just find out for yourself) the names of the people involved in the things that your ideas relate to.
If I were you I would go direct...your intentions are justified, you want to learn more about the initiatives happening in your business and you have good ideas plus it will support your development. Just be mindful of impact on your relationship with your manager as you don't want this to sour....
The other way to raise your profile internally is by blogging and narrating your work e.g. sharing what your working on and why - being open, transparent and collaborative is a great way to show case your abilities and raise your profile to your colleagues....share what you're learning through your level 7 course, share external content and things that might be relevant to people in the business. I used to share relevant articles and blogs on key things with my leadership team on a regular basis - just emailed them directly and just put that I thought this might be a good read or how this linked to XYZ etc.
Don't also forget to think about your external profile as if things don't go to plan and you find yourself looking for another position your online presence is also hugely important Tracey. Check out the below link
10 ways to build your online identity
PS.... leaders don't wait for things to happen they MAKE things happen - Simon Sinek
Good luck!
Mike, thanks for the inspirational message.
I've got a meeting with my manager this afternoon, wish me luck! I have put together a document outlining what I'd love to get involved in, and how, which I will share with my manager. Unfortunately if I don't get more exposure, I think it will be best for me to move on.
I heard that I made a really positive impression on our CEO this week, so if all else fails, I will go and have a confidential chat with him, as I know he really values HR.
I'll definitely think about my profile internally and externally.
Thanks again
Mike, your message to Tracey really is inspirational. Everyone should read it and take note, as it contains a lot of truth that many people would recognise I'm sure.
I agree entirely about the internal politics and how ideas can really get stuck at middle management level. I have always been guilty of not raising my profile internally for fear of upsetting people. I have always avoided going over people's heads, probably to my detriment. I try to work quietly to identify obstacles and to find the best way of getting round them. Eventually I tend to move on, if I find things are not moving as fast as I would like despite my best efforts. I am sure many organisations haven't got the best from me because they haven't recognised my skills or they have let someone manage me who hasn't wanted to make use of me! All bad but I am trying to do something about it now, although it is very late in my career.
Tracey, wishing you best of luck with your meeting this afternoon. If you have in mind the actions that you would like your manager to take if she agrees with your plan, you will be ready to point her in the right direction, assuming she does agree. (It might just be that she isn't very good at communications herself and can't see what steps to take that will deliver what you are after.)
Sending positive thoughts!
This is why I'm a huge advocate for using networks within organisations as it completely flattens hierarchy and gives everyone a voice. It removed any layer of authority and blockers and provides the opportunity for anyone to contribute and share. It's how people can build trust and influence and of course raise their profile within a business.
People are the most important resource an organisation has yet most organisation discourage people from connected or sharing or just don't see the power in bringing people together in this way. While people still see knowledge as power true innovation will never really occur as it's through idea sharing and sharing what we know that leads to the sparks and innovation and ultimately change.
I worked out a long time ago that I will determine how I work based on what I stand for and believe in and these views must be shared by the organisation I work with..There is always the ability and opportunity to lead and inspire change but there is only so long you can swim against the cultural current.
Good luck this afternoon Tracey
I think that's a great idea Tracey. It demonstrates your initiative and how keen you are to progress.
Your boss will then have something tangible to consider and she can talk through with you whether she agrees with the benefits you are anticipating, or whether she has any doubts. She may have a few different ideas to share.
You do need to actively pursue your career. Is there room for you to progress within the company? The company has shown great commitment to you by sponsoring you to do the L7 course, so they obviously believe in you. If you think they may be worried about you leaving, then by sharing your ideas, provided you pitch them well, you could clearly show your interest in staying with the company which may help them relax a bit.
I don't think it's a waste of time drafting them anyway, even if the company don't agree to them, as writing them down can help clarify the benefits you are hoping for.
Good luck!
Hi Alison
Thanks for the encouragement.
I'm not after a status change at the moment, just more exposure, which I think there is room to get.
I'll get on with drafting my proposal
Tracey