I'm at a loss on how I can get the team to trust me. I just started a new job and the HR person I replaced was apparently the worst. Played a lot of favoritism, got people she didn't like fired, slept with a few different employees, etc. I doubt these people will ever look at another HR professional with respect.

likefunny
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I'm from Brooklyn so “Real talk”: the team won't trust another HR person right now because they got burned. Not because HR is broken forever, but because she was broken. You're not her, so don't act like you are.

Stop at the assumption that you're permanently damaged goods. You're actually in a position of leverage here, because you're the competent one replacing chaos.

Here's what moves the needle:

Acknowledge the wreckage without wallowing in it. Early on, say something like: "I know the previous HR person created real problems. I'm not going to pretend that didn't happen or ask you to just move on. What I'm here to do is fix the systems that let it happen and be straight with you." Then stop talking and actually do it. No speeches. No self-flagellation.

Be radically competent and boring. No favoritism. No sleeping with employees 😲. No firing people she didn't like. Just run HR like a practitioner. This is your baseline and your fastest path to credibility b/c it's the opposite of what they lived through.

Move fast on visible wins. Broken policies, unfair comp, opaque processes, unclear handbook language, whatever it is, fix it early. You want them thinking "oh, actually HR fixed that" not "HR is still the obstacle."

Talk to individuals. 1-on-1 with key people let you understand what specifically broke and what they actually need. You might find trust comes faster with some people than others. That's fine. Work with it.

Don't overexplain. You're not responsible for her toxic behavior. Acknowledge it existed, then move forward. Repeated apologies just make people uncomfortable.

The glass cliff risk is real, but so is this: you're stepping in with the advantage of being competent and not actively corrupt. That's a higher bar than you think given what they just experienced.

Start there. The trust will follow if you earn it.

like

It will take some time to rebuild trust but consistency in your actions is key. Likely many of the employees are traumatized and others are even vetting that you will be worst then the prior therefore its important that you lead with empathy and outmost professionalism. Also, likely your company also has a few toxic leaders. Do not give in jist to fit in. Stay out of their mess and be as objective as you can because employees at all levels are more astute than you think and they do catch on to what is going on.

likesmart

I feel you. I had a couple people at a past company blame me for everything my predecessor did for as long as two years.

I stood up for myself. I said "I'm not her" repeatedly. I vocally objected to being blamed for her incompetence. And I worked in such a way that proved I was not her. It will take time.

like

I think the only thing that works is time and consistency. If trust was damaged over years, it is unlikely to be rebuilt in a few weeks. People will watch what you do more than what you say.

Related Posts

Have an offer to start at Deloitte in July in Org Transformation consulting. If it doesn’t get pushed out because of the virus, is it a good time to switch firms in July? Concerned that layoffs may be imminent if I am so new to the firm. I will be coming in at the Consultant level if that matters.

like

Laid off, 10 years exp, tired of acct management. Feel so lost. Don't want to go back to agency side. What should I do? I feel like 💩

like

Is it safe to join CISCO? I have heard the layoffs happens there yearly.

like

Anyone have any idea when the hiring freeze might end within AWS ProServ? I’m currently at Amazon and have a TS clearance, PMP & CSM. I come from a Big4 consulting firm with a background in Enterprise Performance. I’ll be honest and say I’m not feeling very safe in my current role with the ongoing layoffs. Instead of leaving, I’d love to go back to my “consulting roots” and join the ProServ team. I’m taking my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam next weekend. Hoping this freeze is lifted soon.

like

Heard bumblings over HH today of a second round of Deloitte Tax Chicago layoffs after busy season. Thoughts?

like

Does anyone from EY have insight on layoffs? I'm seeing horror stories from other firms but haven't heard anything about EY layoffs. (Manager, FSO-Advisory-Risk)

How is job security in BNY Mellon | Pershing Technology department?
It's very scary to here abot lot's of layoffs in other companies these days.
......
#Layoffs #firing #Job #Termination

like

The week of my wedding, my husband (PL SQL Developer 4 yoe) was laid off. That was a couple of weeks ago. Luckily I'm still bringing money in as a software engineer, but I'm looking for advice on how to support a partner who has been laid off. Ultimately I think we will be ok, but I know he's hurting / stressed / and could use a supportive partner.

likehelpful

S&P Global Hey everyone, Heard this rumour that huge layoffs are going to happen in S&P global india....can anyone give heads up about this ?

S&P Global

helpful

Ratings on three projects - 3,2,2. Utilization - 90%... Proposal hours - 15... Firm activities - 43 hrs... I then get a YE rating of 4 😕 ... How worried I should be regarding the layoffs???

like

If you were an Uber employee that got laid off, how have you been faring?

like

Anyone concerned about the alleged “stealth” layoffs? Wondering which firms are doing this…

like

Was laid off in Sept. Unfortunately we will be seeing many more coming. It's what happens in a recession. Unfortunately I now also have my age against me. Not in a mentally good place at the moment.

Blue shield of CA fired 375 people. Any other insurance companies having massive layoffs?

like

Lol shots fired

Post Photo
likefunny

Who is still in denial about a housing correction? The Fed just made another .75% increase. Powell said they won’t stop until inflation is 2%. He also said a recession would be better than the consequences of unchecked inflation. He announced he will bring rates to a “restrictive level” until “the job is done”. He said that labor demand needs to soften (ie: layoffs). He very explicitly said he wants to slash demand and that housing needs a “correction”.

like

Has anyone working tech for a bank been laid off yet? Tech layoffs all over the media but no one is talking about developers at banks (who make up 1/3 of headcount in some cases)

like

Laid off at PwC. It was more of a relief than anything. Anyone have any knowledge on openings at smaller (but not necessarily boutique) firms? Human Capital / Change Management related field.

like

Hi does schneider Electric layoff people.. How is job security?

like

Why do some people get laid off and others not? Is it always utilization? Do people typically know they're at risk before it gets to that point?

like

More Posts

How is performance measured at MBB?

like

Any recs for how to learn how to drive in LA? 😅 Would you recommend driving classes?

funny

PWC - What to expect Data Analytics Manager role interview?

like

What are some questions you always ask during your interview? I feel like I need to be asking more.

like

Has anybody recently hired a professional resume writer? Was it helpful and in what ways. It would be great if you can share. thanks.

like

I’m shooting for the moon and applying to jobs I am mentally ready for and can qualify for but my resume is very short sweet and to the point because I’ve worked at the same place for 6 year and climbed the ladder & wanting something new. How do I explain that to my future employer?

like

Does anyone have question suggestions for a final interview with skip level boss? Big picture, vision for the role + team, growth strategy type questions! Thanks :)

like

Without fail everyday around 4pm I encounter low-grade depression. This has been ongoing for years and I've tried to combat it through making plans, exercising etc... Anyone else experience this and found healthy solutions?

like

Read that new Strategy analysts are being offered 100K coming in. Is that for Strat only or all of S&C? Will this band be applied to current analysts too?

like

Hey, I am looking for an Angel investor to invest in our idea. Can someone help me to connect with the person.

like

In case anyone is looking to get into product management, I came across this image which shows some books you could read to get into the role.

P.S: I saw this on Linkedin posted by Dr Milan Milanovic. So all credits to him!

Post Photo
likehelpfulsmart

Let’s say you’re the main character of some action movie. Think military / Jason Bourne / Ethan Hunt type of guy. You’re only bringing one watch with you on your mission across the world. Streets of Paris, African jungles, Southeast Asia, and wherever else the mission takes you. What watch you wearing?

like

What are the pain points or challenges being a vendor in staff augmentation 2022

like

I cleared technical round and during final call with HR, my salary expectations were higher as per HR.

My current CTC is 9lpa, skill-IAM and Java, YOE-3. I asked for 14lpa, best they could give was 11lpa. I know I asked a lot.

She didn't care to negotiate and cut my call and now they put my candidature on hold. Can I expect call back? Or i can consider myself rejected?

like

What are different roles in LTI. I have got offer as P4 .May I know other roles from P4 onwards.
My exp is 11.10 years

like

I’m mid 30s F. Recently started seeing this guy, where he is “good enough”. Good conversations, decent time together, he has a good heart, but nothing about him shines. - not fit (I work out everyday and play sports), meh social skills (he doesn’t have best friends, just few he hangs out with), bit less energy than me.
There is a feeling in me that says “he’s going to be a comfortable life partner” and “he is just good enough, but if I break up I won’t find someone for a long time”
Do I stay?

like

Does anyone feel like there are certain practice areas that are more accessible and/or welcoming to black attorneys? Specify location when responding.

like

Who else trains legs on Monday ?

like

New year checklist for amex plat, CSR, Delta, and AA? :)

like

What other cards to add to my collection? I have AmEx Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Fly Delta so AmEx is handy for lounges. Use Sapphire for dining/travel. Should I add Chase Freedom Unlimited?

like

Additional Posts in Human Resources

Hi HR Professionals! I am revising our current employment application form. Per SHRM, I was just curious if any HR Professionals completely removed the following fields: social security number, recommend salary, graduation dates, military discharge info, race, maiden name like (Ms. Mrs. Ms), & criminal history questions. I was just curious what other Employers/HR Professional have done. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

like

SPHR exam- has anyone ever been “randomly selected” for an application audit? This just happened to me and the sheer amount of effort that is going to go into collecting all the documents almost makes me not want to follow through. Since I didn’t finish undergrad, they’re asking for a copy of my high school diploma or transcript and that itself is going to be an absolute nightmare to get hold of. Guess I’m not really looking for a solution here, just venting.

like

Hoping to get my PHR in the next year or so. Outside of employer reimbursement, are there other opportunities for this to get funded? I know SHRM Foundation offers scholarships for the CP, but I am looking for PHR specific help. Thank you! :)

Hello! I have a two part question: 1) is it worth it to obtain an SHRM specialty credential if I don’t have the broader SHRM certification? 2) has anyone gotten the People Analytics or Talent Acquistion credential? If so, how valuable was it from a learning perspective? Do you feel it significantly contributed to your knowledge in either area? Thank you!

like

First time posting here! I have been tasked with creating a military leave differential pay policy and was curious if anyone would be willing to provide any resources. Thanks!

I’m curious - let’s say you have a role to fill but they are targeting only female candidates to balance out the team. What recruiting strategies can i implement to meet those needs?

like

Hi, what vendors do you like for 360 assessments?

like

I am struggling to spend the time to study for the PHR. I have everything I need, but I feel exhausted from the work week every weekend. I’m looking to take it in August.. help? What do I do?

like

Does anyone in the UK use Haye Grades and know the salary range for a grade 20?

like

Hi everyone, I work for large startup (300 employees) and I have been asked to develop a Progressive HR manual template. Some examples include gender neutral restrooms, lactation rooms, signing off emails with pronouns, and etc. Any tips/links for resources to help would be appreciated.

like

Advice on taking the SHRM-SCP exam? I’m taking the exam tomorrow and not feeling as prepared as I should. Who has taken the SCP exam? How difficult did you find it?

like

What programs do my fellow HR managers recommend as far as personality assessments for hiring ?

like

Recently accepted a temp role as an HR admin for a former employer. Previously interned there & left because my supervisor did not have any growth opportunities planned out for me; this was in spite of my stellar performance, as reflected in my 90 day review. She has since left the company, but there’s crazy turnover in the company & in the HR department in particular. Just that an HR coordinator resigned. Is it worth going back into a dumpster fire w/ no leadership to gain experience?

like

Is this legal? My spouses company just decided to change their comp structure for account managers. It was base + comm, now it’s commission only but nothing changed, OT commission is the same, didn’t get more points, just took away the base pay and said work harder basically. So now they have to worker harder to get $50k they were already making. (Not a decision based on employee performance, they’ve been crushing it. I think the company is just trying to save money they overspent else where)

like

Random question for my HR Benefits professionals- if I need to take a leave from work for an arm surgery (torn muscle not pre existing condition) would it be better to enroll in short term disability or take another type of medical leave?
Thanks

like

Hi team,

I have 6 years of experience as a Human Resource Manager back in my home country "india" and i am looking for a job in this field itself. I had done a course of Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration in my home country. Kindly let me know if you have the options where i can apply. Also, what would be the starting salary ?

like

Korn Ferry, Russell Reynolds or Heidrick & Struggles? Which one is better and why?

like

Hello, which is more beneficial Master’s in Human Resources or PHR Certification?

like

Advice on taking and passing the SPHR exam?

likehelpful

I am going to move in the next few month to a location with a higher cost of living due to personal circumstances. I love my current company but I’ve only been here a little over a month, how should I go about requesting if it’s possible to get a salary increase? Might be a stretch but thought it might be worth mentioning.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal