Got negative feedback from front-line supervisors

[Anonymous]

On a major project I’ve been working on since 2020. The project has gone through a number of phases and should be ending spring of next year. Team members/supervisors/etc. have generally changed (except for the team leads and me) over the years. I’ve generally gotten good performance reviews over the years, in addition to bonuses, etc.

However, most recently, the team leads and I got feedback to basically be “nicer” to front-line supervisors (don’t be curt, be courteous, etc.). No concrete examples or even context was given, but the feedback suggests that the team leads were somehow not respectful or professional with the front-line supervisors. My feedback was given through my manager and at the time it was given, I was caught off guard and didn’t ask questions, and I’m still confused given the lack of context.

Given this feedback came through my manager, I’m concerned it will affect my performance review. Also, thinking about it some more, I feel the feedback was unfair as I can think of numerous instances where the front-line supervisors were abrupt/harsh/impatient/“not nice” to the team.

What to do now? Hold a meeting with all front-line supervisors and confront the issue (DH’s suggestion)? My nature is to not say anything and just let it go, but I can see it festering. Another option is to talk directly to my manager about it, but honestly I am super annoyed at him that he even brought it up with him, given he’s somewhat checked out of the project and isn’t even at half the meetings to know what is going on with the project, how much work is involved, or team dynamics.

This is a fairly high-profile project, and the only reason I’ve stayed on is that I’ve been working on it so long that I feel like I should be rewarded by having my name on it. Other than that, I don’t get paid enough to do the amount and type of work I’ve been asked to do.

[Anonymous]

Go to your manager, since that's who the feedback came from.

[Anonymous]

Union YES !!!

[Anonymous]

Try being more respectful to the front-line supervisors.

[Anonymous]

Calling a meeting to shame the front line supervisors for giving feedback sounds like a brilliant plan for DH to get you back in the house.

[Anonymous]

This company has too many layers of middle management.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On a major project I’ve been working on since 2020. The project has gone through a number of phases and should be ending spring of next year. Team members/supervisors/etc. have generally changed (except for the team leads and me) over the years. I’ve generally gotten good performance reviews over the years, in addition to bonuses, etc.

However, most recently, the team leads and I got feedback to basically be “nicer” to front-line supervisors (don’t be curt, be courteous, etc.). No concrete examples or even context was given, but the feedback suggests that the team leads were somehow not respectful or professional with the front-line supervisors. My feedback was given through my manager and at the time it was given, I was caught off guard and didn’t ask questions, and I’m still confused given the lack of context.

Given this feedback came through my manager, I’m concerned it will affect my performance review. Also, thinking about it some more, I feel the feedback was unfair as I can think of numerous instances where the front-line supervisors were abrupt/harsh/impatient/“not nice” to the team.

What to do now? Hold a meeting with all front-line supervisors and confront the issue (DH’s suggestion)? My nature is to not say anything and just let it go, but I can see it festering. Another option is to talk directly to my manager about it, but honestly I am super annoyed at him that he even brought it up with him, given he’s somewhat checked out of the project and isn’t even at half the meetings to know what is going on with the project, how much work is involved, or team dynamics.

This is a fairly high-profile project, and the only reason I’ve stayed on is that I’ve been working on it so long that I feel like I should be rewarded by having my name on it. Other than that, I don’t get paid enough to do the amount and type of work I’ve been asked to do.

That is not the right way to view your feedback. So, based on that, you agree that you behaved poorly? You are not evaluating them; they are evaluating you.

[Anonymous]

I think you should talk to your manager and not have an opened ended discussion. Instead, carry a notepad with you with all your points jotted down. Then speak point to point.

[Anonymous]

Have you been curt or rude op?

[Anonymous]

Do you think the feedback was directed at you, or it was more of like, “I’m giving this feedback bc it’s been given but know that we know you’ve been busting butt on this and doing the best that you can”?

[Anonymous]

Be nicer. Clearly you've not been very nice OP. That's messed up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On a major project I’ve been working on since 2020. The project has gone through a number of phases and should be ending spring of next year. Team members/supervisors/etc. have generally changed (except for the team leads and me) over the years. I’ve generally gotten good performance reviews over the years, in addition to bonuses, etc.

However, most recently, the team leads and I got feedback to basically be “nicer” to front-line supervisors (don’t be curt, be courteous, etc.). No concrete examples or even context was given, but the feedback suggests that the team leads were somehow not respectful or professional with the front-line supervisors. My feedback was given through my manager and at the time it was given, I was caught off guard and didn’t ask questions, and I’m still confused given the lack of context.

Given this feedback came through my manager, I’m concerned it will affect my performance review. Also, thinking about it some more, I feel the feedback was unfair as I can think of numerous instances where the front-line supervisors were abrupt/harsh/impatient/“not nice” to the team.

What to do now? Hold a meeting with all front-line supervisors and confront the issue (DH’s suggestion)? My nature is to not say anything and just let it go, but I can see it festering. Another option is to talk directly to my manager about it, but honestly I am super annoyed at him that he even brought it up with him, given he’s somewhat checked out of the project and isn’t even at half the meetings to know what is going on with the project, how much work is involved, or team dynamics.

This is a fairly high-profile project, and the only reason I’ve stayed on is that I’ve been working on it so long that I feel like I should be rewarded by having my name on it. Other than that, I don’t get paid enough to do the amount and type of work I’ve been asked to do.

Maybe they're laying the ground work? Once your project is done, is there a role for you?

[Anonymous]

OP, your DH's feedback is not likely to do anything but make things worse.

I'd speak with your manager and ask if there is more detail or context if you must, I think letting it go and making a point of being "nicer" is a better strategy.

If I were you, I would not count on having a job when the project ends. Start looking and put your focus there. Nebulous negative feedback is likely laying the groundwork for you not to be offered ongoing work.

[Anonymous]

OP, your position is ending in a few months. Any kind of scorched earth confrontation now is a terrible idea.

Start looking for a new job and be as "nice" as possible in the meantime in hopes of getting a + reference.