Mavpreet Kaur

Rebuilding confidence as an HR professional after career setbacks can be a transformative journey. It begins with acknowledging the setback without dwelling on it, using the experience as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than self-blame. Focusing on your strengths and past achievements is essential to reaffirm your expertise and remind yourself of your capabilities. Setting small, achievable goals can help rebuild confidence gradually, as each success creates momentum. t’s important to celebrate progress, even the small wins, as building confidence is a process. Reframing negative thoughts into positive affirmations will shift your mindset from dwelling on past mistakes to focusing on growth and potential.

If I were facing inappropriate jokes in the office and felt uncomfortable, I would approach the situation thoroughly and respectfully. I would speak to that colleague privately mentioning that he/she might not mean anything but those jokes made me uncomfortable. I would express my expectations moving forward, such as wanting a more respectful and professional environment. If the jokes persist despite my efforts to address them, I will escalate the issue to the seniors.

We can prioritise our tasks and focus on critical ones first. We shouldn't overpromise things. If a work can't get done in a specific time frame, say that. We can distribute our tasks with team members. Multiple tools are available which can automate the work, we can use that as well. One should stay organised, communicate clearly and leverage resources to meet the deadlines without sacrificing quality.

To establish a powerful personal brand as a freelance HR consultant, focus on showcasing your expertise through a professional website and active social media presence. Share insightful content, such as articles, case studies, and client testimonials, to demonstrate your knowledge and success. Network extensively by attending industry events, joining HR forums, and collaborating with other professionals. Offer free webinars or workshops to build credibility and engage with potential clients. Consistently update your skills and stay informed on HR trends to position yourself as a thought leader. Personalize your approach and maintain strong client relationships to reinforce your brand's trustworthiness and reliability.

Empower employees by clearly defining their roles and responsibilities, and providing them with the autonomy to make decisions within their scope. Encourage a culture of trust and accountability by setting clear expectations and providing the necessary resources and support. Offer opportunities for professional growth and development, and recognize their contributions publicly. Foster open communication and feedback, allowing employees to share ideas and take initiative. Create a supportive environment where they feel confident to take risks and innovate. Regularly acknowledge their successes and learn from setbacks together, reinforcing their sense of ownership and commitment.

Handle tough performance conversations by preparing thoroughly and basing discussions on specific, factual examples. Begin the conversation with empathy, expressing your intention to support their improvement. Clearly outline performance issues, focusing on behaviors and outcomes rather than personal attributes. Provide actionable feedback and collaborate on a development plan with clear, measurable goals. Offer resources and support, such as training or mentoring, to aid their progress. Maintain an open, two-way dialogue, allowing the employee to share their perspective. Follow up regularly to review progress and adjust plans as needed, ensuring ongoing support and improvement.