Hello,
I am in US working as a project manager for an IT major. I have been working with same customer for close to six years. Since 2010 my boss has been slowly taking away responsibilities away from me and promoting a junior with whom he has worked in past projects. The customer has also been told as per my understanding that the new person will be taking slowly all the responsibilities. Its only me to whom the boss has not updated and has been silent. I tried to confront on the same and he said it is non issue and it is just that he is trying to make my life easy. The customers have tremendous respect for my work and have appreciated the way I handle projects. If the project is critical and complex they request me to execute from start to end and by my parent's blessings, I have been till date able to execute all projects smoothly. I have been in this organization for nearly 10 years and it is hurting me everyday since last two years on how I have been kept out of main discussions by my Indian boss, he has recommended promotion of new members in the team who are junior to me and did not initiate mine on time (I came to know from HR that my initiation was delayed). The boss kept telling me he has already initiated. I have already taken steps to move out of the account and work from India. I am not able to speak openly to my HR since he has very good rapport with them and before listening to me fully, they may alert him. Is there a way I can bring this up somehow to senior management and just not move on silently. I am feeling hurt and betrayed since I had spent lot of energy and hard work to grow business for my company to help this guy.
From United States, San Diego
I am in US working as a project manager for an IT major. I have been working with same customer for close to six years. Since 2010 my boss has been slowly taking away responsibilities away from me and promoting a junior with whom he has worked in past projects. The customer has also been told as per my understanding that the new person will be taking slowly all the responsibilities. Its only me to whom the boss has not updated and has been silent. I tried to confront on the same and he said it is non issue and it is just that he is trying to make my life easy. The customers have tremendous respect for my work and have appreciated the way I handle projects. If the project is critical and complex they request me to execute from start to end and by my parent's blessings, I have been till date able to execute all projects smoothly. I have been in this organization for nearly 10 years and it is hurting me everyday since last two years on how I have been kept out of main discussions by my Indian boss, he has recommended promotion of new members in the team who are junior to me and did not initiate mine on time (I came to know from HR that my initiation was delayed). The boss kept telling me he has already initiated. I have already taken steps to move out of the account and work from India. I am not able to speak openly to my HR since he has very good rapport with them and before listening to me fully, they may alert him. Is there a way I can bring this up somehow to senior management and just not move on silently. I am feeling hurt and betrayed since I had spent lot of energy and hard work to grow business for my company to help this guy.
From United States, San Diego
dear swaresh
according to your problem ,you can move to senior management ,but before moving you must know that are they aware of you as an employee as there are certain times when in big companies senior mgmt is not aware of the employees ,in such case they only listen to the top layers.
you can approach to ur senior mgmt. or anyone whom u feel is trustworthy , if it is happening past two years only then u need to analyse that why it happened with u only ? may b somewhere u also went wrong,think about it.
regards
mitali
From India, New Delhi
4according to your problem ,you can move to senior management ,but before moving you must know that are they aware of you as an employee as there are certain times when in big companies senior mgmt is not aware of the employees ,in such case they only listen to the top layers.
you can approach to ur senior mgmt. or anyone whom u feel is trustworthy , if it is happening past two years only then u need to analyse that why it happened with u only ? may b somewhere u also went wrong,think about it.
regards
mitali
From India, New Delhi
If you can then CHANGE YOUR JOB..............if you can't then follow the crap on motivation, how-to-improve-performance, 100 tips, 1000 examples, etc etc.........reading the crap and following it and thinking that things have changed might help you spend your remaining days untill you retire..............and mind you when someone advices look for a better job, HR Gurus might say "Don't Run Away".....but remember Thinking about the well being of oneself is not running-away from job problems.....changing for the better is sometimes necessary to survive in the politics of work life...................rgrds
From India, Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
Once you lose the support of the boss, it's time to move on. However, if his bosses know about you and you can gain their support it's a different matter.
If the company that you the project for are happy then there may be a chance to get a permanent employment with them. I know of a few cases in the Uk where people from India who came to do projects were absorbed by the companies.
Best wishes
Simhan
A retired academic in the UK
From United Kingdom
If the company that you the project for are happy then there may be a chance to get a permanent employment with them. I know of a few cases in the Uk where people from India who came to do projects were absorbed by the companies.
Best wishes
Simhan
A retired academic in the UK
From United Kingdom
It happens in organisations. Sometimes, sincere and hardworking guys are unrecognised/unrewarded whereas some unscrupulous apple polish elements are disproportionately promoted/encouraged. This is the sign of unhealthiness on the HR. HR should intropect with the concerned on specific grouse of employees to nip in the bud. Unfortunately, this is not happening.
If you are sidelined for a lengthy period, it would be wise for you to look better job change as an individual can not fight with the organisation for the injustice meted out.
pon
From India, Lucknow
If you are sidelined for a lengthy period, it would be wise for you to look better job change as an individual can not fight with the organisation for the injustice meted out.
pon
From India, Lucknow
Dear Swaresh,
Its lagging on the part of HR that they must look after the same,as this may be a usual practice otherwise therefore don't get surprised.It happens in corporate culture every now and then,although I am not the right one to comment upon International Work Culture.
But being the Indian boss favouritism may have arisen.Therefore,since you are right in your opinion and intention as well just move ahead and talk with HR and discuss with senior management too.
Atleast by doing you are not going to lose anything.
Do mind that you talk at the right time in the right tone with the right words!!!!!!The impact is certainly going out to be there .
Before you discuss it with them with patience just ponder upon the past events so that you can well frame your conversation well in advance and explain the same to them with examples as they may ask you why didn't you turned up in past two years.
In the end just do it with full belief that whatever happens happens for the best and as you said do remember your parents blessings are always protecting you and this will too turn out to be beautiful,as its not the end if its not beautiful.
Do keep us updated about the same.
Regards
MK
From India, Delhi
Its lagging on the part of HR that they must look after the same,as this may be a usual practice otherwise therefore don't get surprised.It happens in corporate culture every now and then,although I am not the right one to comment upon International Work Culture.
But being the Indian boss favouritism may have arisen.Therefore,since you are right in your opinion and intention as well just move ahead and talk with HR and discuss with senior management too.
Atleast by doing you are not going to lose anything.
Do mind that you talk at the right time in the right tone with the right words!!!!!!The impact is certainly going out to be there .
Before you discuss it with them with patience just ponder upon the past events so that you can well frame your conversation well in advance and explain the same to them with examples as they may ask you why didn't you turned up in past two years.
In the end just do it with full belief that whatever happens happens for the best and as you said do remember your parents blessings are always protecting you and this will too turn out to be beautiful,as its not the end if its not beautiful.
Do keep us updated about the same.
Regards
MK
From India, Delhi
Thank you all for your responses. I am thankful to all the encouraging and kind responses and all the best wishes. Looks like I am on the right path to move on.
As few of you rightly pointed out, it is necessary for some one in senior management to know about me as a person, before I approach them. I will definitely ensure the same or else I agree the effort will be futile. The two posts in the begining said that I need to ponder if something was wrong with me and why I was the only one singled out. I did and since everything was well and even when all targets were met by me as planned, I was surprised. Even if something was not well, it should have been openly discussed with me. But instead the game was and is being silently played behind my back. I also spoke to past folks who had worked with this guy. As per them on the outward even if my boss looks charming personality and sweet talker, he likes people who keep revolving him even after office hours on personal front. I am a guy who likes to be with family after office and avoid buttering the boss during after office hours. There also is an element of regional bias as per ex-employees. As someone rightly pointed out to which I agree that it is definitely mistake of HR. The onsite HR of this IT major is in the pockets of the senior management team who work here. The complaint or grievance against a manager does not go to his or her supervisor but to them directly as a personal and confidential note. The HR also does not speak to one on one with any of us. They visit us in some social event or forums only since it is mandated. Anywayz I will move on and if possible try to escalate this matter in appropriate way...Thanks again.
From United States, San Diego
As few of you rightly pointed out, it is necessary for some one in senior management to know about me as a person, before I approach them. I will definitely ensure the same or else I agree the effort will be futile. The two posts in the begining said that I need to ponder if something was wrong with me and why I was the only one singled out. I did and since everything was well and even when all targets were met by me as planned, I was surprised. Even if something was not well, it should have been openly discussed with me. But instead the game was and is being silently played behind my back. I also spoke to past folks who had worked with this guy. As per them on the outward even if my boss looks charming personality and sweet talker, he likes people who keep revolving him even after office hours on personal front. I am a guy who likes to be with family after office and avoid buttering the boss during after office hours. There also is an element of regional bias as per ex-employees. As someone rightly pointed out to which I agree that it is definitely mistake of HR. The onsite HR of this IT major is in the pockets of the senior management team who work here. The complaint or grievance against a manager does not go to his or her supervisor but to them directly as a personal and confidential note. The HR also does not speak to one on one with any of us. They visit us in some social event or forums only since it is mandated. Anywayz I will move on and if possible try to escalate this matter in appropriate way...Thanks again.
From United States, San Diego
Hi...
10 years is a long time...and i'll be very surprised if there is no one in senior management who is not aware of the work you have done....escalation is a solution i wont ponder much upon....as once such things are escalated and your boss will eventually come to know of it then what?? he will not change......not so soon...
Moving on is a right option as suggested by many members here, sometimes it is advisable just to carry on....without much
In such organisation HR is only utilised for hiring and exit formalities and thats all...they make formats and ask people to fill in and their work is done...and because of such HR professionals the whole fraternity suffers from stereo typed notions......
All the best Swaresh.....
Regards,
From India, Delhi
10 years is a long time...and i'll be very surprised if there is no one in senior management who is not aware of the work you have done....escalation is a solution i wont ponder much upon....as once such things are escalated and your boss will eventually come to know of it then what?? he will not change......not so soon...
Moving on is a right option as suggested by many members here, sometimes it is advisable just to carry on....without much
In such organisation HR is only utilised for hiring and exit formalities and thats all...they make formats and ask people to fill in and their work is done...and because of such HR professionals the whole fraternity suffers from stereo typed notions......
All the best Swaresh.....
Regards,
From India, Delhi
Hello Swaresh Shetty,
I way I look @ the whole scenario is this:
Possibility-1: The senior management already knows about what your boss is doing & the reason being to force you out as a cost-cutting/limiting measure. Maybe your boss sold the idea of having 'his guy' to do the same work @ a lower cost--since @ the end-of-day, he can use it to show a better performance. Hope you get what I mean.
Possibility-2: The senior management doesn't know--like a few others pointed out--and this guy is playing his own sweet round of politics.
Possibility-3: The senior management already knows about what your boss is doing BUT are keeping silent--maybe they view your boss's need to the Company MORE than your's.
I have seen ALL the 3 possibilities play-out in large IT Companies.
Now coming to your PoA--what YOU need to do, since that's the only thing that's in YOUR hands, NOT what your boss does or doesn't.
Pl confirm if you are on H1-B or some other Visa? A lot could depend on this factor w.r.t. the options available to you.
If you are indeed on H1-B, then I suggest you work in a multi-pronged way: escalate the matter within the Company [since having stayed there for so long, I am sure you would have some sort of an emotional bonding with it] AND work to find alternate openings within USA--to begin with. Since you haven't mentioned your skillset, not sure if your's is a in-demand skill within USA--anyway, you would know that aspect better.
Another aspect is reg your client. If your rapport with them is ABSOLUTELY good [meaning what you share with them does remain confidential], you can check out if you can be absorbed there itself. The Agreement they have with your Company may need to be taken into account even if there's a possibility of this happening.
However, if there's no possibility of this happening, then your client could at least be helpful @ this juncture to give you good Referrals--which are quite vital in USA.
If you want to return to India, that's YOUR choice, but I don't think your company NEEDS to know about it. Those involved with the IT industry know that this step is easier said than done, since it involves a lot more than just changing a job. That's why I used the words 'to begin with' above. If the company comes to know that you are looking for a change WITHIN USA, the chances of they taking you more seriously [especially if it's indeed Possibility-2 that's the fact] is much higher.
As of now, that's all I can think of. If I have missed out any aspects that may have a bearing in your case, pl do let me know.
Rgds,
TS
From India, Hyderabad
I way I look @ the whole scenario is this:
Possibility-1: The senior management already knows about what your boss is doing & the reason being to force you out as a cost-cutting/limiting measure. Maybe your boss sold the idea of having 'his guy' to do the same work @ a lower cost--since @ the end-of-day, he can use it to show a better performance. Hope you get what I mean.
Possibility-2: The senior management doesn't know--like a few others pointed out--and this guy is playing his own sweet round of politics.
Possibility-3: The senior management already knows about what your boss is doing BUT are keeping silent--maybe they view your boss's need to the Company MORE than your's.
I have seen ALL the 3 possibilities play-out in large IT Companies.
Now coming to your PoA--what YOU need to do, since that's the only thing that's in YOUR hands, NOT what your boss does or doesn't.
Pl confirm if you are on H1-B or some other Visa? A lot could depend on this factor w.r.t. the options available to you.
If you are indeed on H1-B, then I suggest you work in a multi-pronged way: escalate the matter within the Company [since having stayed there for so long, I am sure you would have some sort of an emotional bonding with it] AND work to find alternate openings within USA--to begin with. Since you haven't mentioned your skillset, not sure if your's is a in-demand skill within USA--anyway, you would know that aspect better.
Another aspect is reg your client. If your rapport with them is ABSOLUTELY good [meaning what you share with them does remain confidential], you can check out if you can be absorbed there itself. The Agreement they have with your Company may need to be taken into account even if there's a possibility of this happening.
However, if there's no possibility of this happening, then your client could at least be helpful @ this juncture to give you good Referrals--which are quite vital in USA.
If you want to return to India, that's YOUR choice, but I don't think your company NEEDS to know about it. Those involved with the IT industry know that this step is easier said than done, since it involves a lot more than just changing a job. That's why I used the words 'to begin with' above. If the company comes to know that you are looking for a change WITHIN USA, the chances of they taking you more seriously [especially if it's indeed Possibility-2 that's the fact] is much higher.
As of now, that's all I can think of. If I have missed out any aspects that may have a bearing in your case, pl do let me know.
Rgds,
TS
From India, Hyderabad
I would do the following: Talk to the boss by telling him you are feeling sidelined and demotivated. From what you say, its clearly a game, but he must make it clear.
Leave the company ASAP. I wouldn't consider escalation as an option. Two years is a long time for 'stories' to accumulate... If you want to fight, though, don't resign, rather give it a try. But it would be wiser to quit.
Because you might lose a good reference through confrontation... And it maynot be worth the risk unless your adrenalin on principles is very high :-)
From United States, Daphne
Leave the company ASAP. I wouldn't consider escalation as an option. Two years is a long time for 'stories' to accumulate... If you want to fight, though, don't resign, rather give it a try. But it would be wiser to quit.
Because you might lose a good reference through confrontation... And it maynot be worth the risk unless your adrenalin on principles is very high :-)
From United States, Daphne
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