Dear Yogesh,

I am Rishikesh, and I am currently working as an HR Manager with a renowned paint company in Mumbai. However, I often help the Marketing team with their various programs and projects, as their Marketing Manager had quit for better opportunities. I studied Marketing during my graduation and am good at Digital Marketing, because of which I have a fair idea of that work.

During my recent appraisal discussion with my CEO, he offered to move me to the Marketing Department as its Manager, as I am doing a pretty good job at helping them, which is reflected in their marketing campaigns. I understand the needs of the Marketing Department and know the pulse of the market due to my sheer interest and knowledge. Besides having experience in Employee Relations, I strike a good rapport with all the vendors and external stakeholders.

However, HR is my passion, and it is because of that that I did my MBA in HR and spent around 10 years in my previous organization in the various domains of their HR department. It is the place where I feel connected, and I sincerely believe that having a robust HR team can help the company navigate through any crisis, as the employees’ loyalty, efficiency, and leadership qualities are honed by the HR Department.

However, my CEO generally does not take a ‘no’ for an answer and always has the last word. I do not know what to do, and I am not feeling happy at all.

Please help!

Rishikesh Sharma

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Dear Rishikesh,

This situation is faced by many people in the Corporate world when they do something good for others without realizing its long-term implications.

The first thing you need to do is to have a heart-to-heart talk with your CEO. It is nice that he appreciates your skills in Marketing, but not so nice that he does not want to understand what you want. Hence it is better that you put it across to him at the earliest. Maybe a compromise formula could work, where you would train someone else to take up those responsibilities in your place. It may sound a little difficult to stand up for yourself for what you want, but then it is better than regretting later. There is a possibility that your CEO might fire you for not abiding by his directive, but then you would not want to do or get into a role that you are not interested in. And as he offered you a new position, he is aware of your potential. He may accept your decision. You must be ready to accept both possibilities.

Okay, now let’s look into it from another angle, also. The move may not be as bad as you may think. As the pay scales for both the roles would be the same, as a Marketing Manager, there is every possibility that you may earn handsome incentives, which would be a big attraction to anyone. Apart from that, you would be the face of the organization for the outside vendors and the stakeholders, while as an HR Manager, you would be confined to the employees and the four walls of the organization, beyond which nobody might recognize you as being part of that organization. Your scope of responsibility with the external stakeholders would also give you that edge and importance. So instead of saying a direct NO, it would be worthwhile to give a thought to these points as well and then take a balanced and holistic decision.

After weighing its pros and cons, if you still feel that the move would truly be detrimental to your career, then put your foot down and, in a very polite and tactful manner, decline the offer and say that you would be better off as the HR Manager. Certainly, you would not want to be forced into a situation that you are not so comfortable with and feel resentful and victimized. It would be worse if you move against your wish, as it would not be sustainable for long, and you may stay on the job for a long and become bitter in life, which might take a toll on your mental and physical health and your entire life.

There is a huge demand for good HR Managers in the market, and you need not worry about getting a suitable job. So it would be better to stand up for yourself and inform your CEO in a very polite and respectful manner, without any ambiguity.

Good luck to you.

Best,

Yogesh Sood

This blog is an adaptation of a blog written by Madeleine Homan Blanchard on April 3rd, 2021 - https://resources.kenblanchard.com/blanchard-leaderchat/ceo-offered-you-a-job-you-don-t-want-ask-madeleine