Background and Current Role
For the past four years, I ran my own recruitment business, providing manpower to some of the best companies in India. Due to funding problems, I had to shut down my business a few months back. For the last three months, I have been working in a starch plant as a liaison officer. In this role, I interact with government officers from departments such as pollution control, fire safety, and electricity regulation. As you all know, government officers do not always cooperate easily and often create obstacles for the work assigned to them, sometimes expecting bribes to facilitate the process.
Challenges with Current Position
My current predicament is that my director believes dealing with government departments is straightforward and constantly urges me to expedite tasks or consider resigning from the job. I hold a postgraduate degree in marketing and IT, and my current take-home salary is 35k. I entered this position through a reference without receiving an official offer letter, and my salary is paid in cash. I find myself in a state of confusion as I struggle to determine the best course of action. In my role, I can only liaise with government officials but cannot compel them to expedite tasks. Meanwhile, my director questions my contributions to the organization over the past three months.
Considering a Department Transfer
Furthermore, our company has a marketing and sales department. While some of my colleagues suggest I transfer to that department, others caution that sales can be challenging, advising against the move. I seek your guidance on how to navigate this situation effectively.
From India, New Delhi
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For the past four years, I ran my own recruitment business, providing manpower to some of the best companies in India. Due to funding problems, I had to shut down my business a few months back. For the last three months, I have been working in a starch plant as a liaison officer. In this role, I interact with government officers from departments such as pollution control, fire safety, and electricity regulation. As you all know, government officers do not always cooperate easily and often create obstacles for the work assigned to them, sometimes expecting bribes to facilitate the process.
Challenges with Current Position
My current predicament is that my director believes dealing with government departments is straightforward and constantly urges me to expedite tasks or consider resigning from the job. I hold a postgraduate degree in marketing and IT, and my current take-home salary is 35k. I entered this position through a reference without receiving an official offer letter, and my salary is paid in cash. I find myself in a state of confusion as I struggle to determine the best course of action. In my role, I can only liaise with government officials but cannot compel them to expedite tasks. Meanwhile, my director questions my contributions to the organization over the past three months.
Considering a Department Transfer
Furthermore, our company has a marketing and sales department. While some of my colleagues suggest I transfer to that department, others caution that sales can be challenging, advising against the move. I seek your guidance on how to navigate this situation effectively.
From India, New Delhi
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Navigating Government Liaison Challenges
Don't rely solely on what others say. Do you have any choice, whether it's in sales, marketing, or liaison? If not, it's better to focus on your job requirements. Perhaps you could provide more frequent feedback on your efforts.
Getting government officials to work as you need requires tremendous follow-up and persuasive ability. You will have to physically interact with the concerned authorities and persistently persuade them to get your work done. They may give excuses and vague promises, but knowing this, you will have to persist through their tantrums until they are exasperated and agree to your request. Bribing your way is an easy option, but it sets a bad precedent. Soon, it reaches a stage where the demands outgrow your ability to pay, and it becomes disagreeable.
While small courtesies like a diary or gifts on occasions like Diwali or hosting lunch/dinner are unavoidable, my experience shows that building rapport with the concerned officials and maintaining friendships during peaceful times serves best, rather than paying lavishly during crisis points. If you can follow this broad policy, then you may find some success.
Considering a Career Shift
Now, regarding choosing any other field, if there is a requirement for additional help, you can offer yourself. You may broach the subject to your superiors as and when a suitable occasion arises.
From India, Mumbai
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1594Don't rely solely on what others say. Do you have any choice, whether it's in sales, marketing, or liaison? If not, it's better to focus on your job requirements. Perhaps you could provide more frequent feedback on your efforts.
Getting government officials to work as you need requires tremendous follow-up and persuasive ability. You will have to physically interact with the concerned authorities and persistently persuade them to get your work done. They may give excuses and vague promises, but knowing this, you will have to persist through their tantrums until they are exasperated and agree to your request. Bribing your way is an easy option, but it sets a bad precedent. Soon, it reaches a stage where the demands outgrow your ability to pay, and it becomes disagreeable.
While small courtesies like a diary or gifts on occasions like Diwali or hosting lunch/dinner are unavoidable, my experience shows that building rapport with the concerned officials and maintaining friendships during peaceful times serves best, rather than paying lavishly during crisis points. If you can follow this broad policy, then you may find some success.
Considering a Career Shift
Now, regarding choosing any other field, if there is a requirement for additional help, you can offer yourself. You may broach the subject to your superiors as and when a suitable occasion arises.
From India, Mumbai
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