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Tricky work situation - am I being unreasonable?

9 replies

llareggub · 13/02/2008 19:24

You know the old saying about a solicitor representing himself has a fool for a client? With that in mind I'd really appreciate some advice.

I am not a solicitor but I am a HR bod working for a local authority. Previously I managed a small team, providing HR advice to a department. The department merged with another, much bigger one and my team was merged with another HR team.

There was no discussion with me about my role, which clearly no longer existed in the same form. I was undergoing fertility treatment at the time and to be honest was more concerned with that rather than what was happening job wise.

My treatment was successful and I became pregnant in March 06. In June 2006 our Head of HR discussed 2 proposed structures with the team. On an individual basis, she discussed a potential role with me as a deputy manager, managing the advisory function. We discussed the grade which she said would be the same as an existing post, which was slightly higher than my current salary. We were asked to comment on the proposed structure.

In September 2006 I went on maternity leave and I wrote formally to the Head of HR requesting clarity regarding my future role as nothing further had progressed. I heard nothing back and went on maternity leave and concentrated on having a baby.

In March 2007 my former line manager contacted me to see if I would do some work for her on an ad hoc basis, as she was not getting adequate support from the new team. Although I had not really intended going back to work so soon, I discussed and negotiated an early return to work from maternity leave on a part time basis.

There had been further development regarding the structure of the team and a temporary team had been established to work on specific projects. I was asked to work in that team and so was employed in a completely different role to my previous one, which was deleted.

In September 2007 I returned to work full time and work wise, things have been great. I have gained credibility with our senior directors and was asked to join a Directorate Leadership Team. I am very much enjoying the work.

However, salary wise the discussed pay rise has not materialised despite repeated requests by me regarding progress. It was formally evaluated 3 weeks ago and I have heard nothing.

Additionally, I have been told (indirectly) that my new role is only temporary yet there has been no discussion with me. I can't go back to my old role, it no longer exists. The work I am doing is far more strategic and challenging than anything I have done before and whilst it is rewarding intellectually, I am not being properly financially rewarded for my contribution.

However, the advisory manager post is being advertised shortly. It is a higher grade than the one discussed with me last year when I was told it would be mine in the new structure.

Finally, although our Head of HR is normally a pleasant sort of a person she is also highly unpredictable. She does not like opposing view points to her own and increasingly, my confidence is being eroded. Last week I drove home in tears because she was such a nightmare in our leadership meeting. She is very direct.

I rang to speak to her several times today but she has not returned any of my calls. I have been very patient and reasonable, I think over the last 2 years but I have now had enough! I have been very upset today.

Am I unreasonable? What should I do? Why don't I know...I should do as a HR bod but in my own case I just cannot see the wood for the trees...

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flowerybeanbag · 13/02/2008 19:39

hi llareggub

I have to log off now but I will come back tomorrow and have a proper read in the morning, see if an outside perspective might be of some use

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llareggub · 13/02/2008 19:42

thanks Flowery. It might just be a case of "me me me" but I think I am right to be miffed...

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llareggub · 13/02/2008 21:45

Flowery, when you do pop back tomorrow I shall be very grateful. I rather hoped that you might spot this thread. Of course, views from others gratefully received.

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flowerybeanbag · 14/02/2008 11:13

I don't think you are unreasonsable to be miffed, it sounds like there has been a lot of uncertainty and mucking you about over the last couple of years. But it sounds as though you have credibility, are working at a higher level than you have been previously and are enjoying your work.

With that in mind, I'd probably be inclined to let the past, what basically sounds like a bit of a mess, go, and focus on gaining appropriate reward for your skills, experience and contribution, and clarity regarding your role going forward. You could go in whinging about everything that's happened previously, but I don't think that's going to be beneficial for anyone tbh. I am being more blunt than I normally would be because you can take it, and I'm not going to give you any metaphorical 'stroking' as I would with others.

I have huge sympathy with what you have been through and I would agree you've been massively patient and also have focused on the most important things for you over the past couple of years, which is to be admired. But I think you need to have a think about this. I don't think when someone gets to the level you are working at now it should be possible to fob them off. At a certain level it becomes necessary, if you are going to be successful and rise to the challenges presented to you, to become a bit more 'hard-nosed', not to be afraid to push back a bit, to challenge, to make yourself a bit unpopular sometimes. And sometimes you might be more mature, more challenging and more valued by people that 'count' than the person who is technically your boss.

I think you need to stop allowing this person to erode your confidence. Look at what you are doing, you are thriving on the extra responsibility, gaining credibility for yourself and probably for the HR function as a result, and adding value to the business. Your boss is direct. You can be too. Take the bull by the horns, stop ringing her, and ring her PA or whoever, and book a meeting in her diary. Go prepared beforehand to discuss the issues you have and don't leave without some definite answers and/or a timescale to address these things, plus definite knowledge of what you must do to achieve what you want. If you are good at your job, as you say you are, you will not lose any respect by doing this.

As I say, my niceness goes out the window a weeny bit when talking to and advising fellow HR people, as my expectations are higher. Please don't be offended by this, I am giving you my honest, direct opinion which I hope helps you a bit. I know it will be hard, I really do, so please don't think I don't have sympathy, but sometimes things are hard, not fair, and you have the ability and skills in the profession you are in to address a situation like this in a positive manner.

Email me on flowery dot beanbag at ntlworld dot com if you want to chat more off line.