Boss who is noticing your errors

[Anonymous]

My boss has worked very hard to get where she is, and she is careful, works diligently, and is attuned to detail. Sometimes I get something wrong in a document or email, I know that she notices, though she never says anything about it, other than to correct it. I think she knows I work hard and am smart and doesn't hold it against me, but because she is so careful, I know it must register for her. I am fastidious about things too, and would notice in a subordinate quickly. She and I are a lot alike.

Anyway -- when this happens, should I apologize for the error or let it go by? I feel like saying sorry draws more attention, but I also dont want to look obtuse.

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Acknowledge it. Otherwise, she may think you aren't noticing that she's fixing stuff. That's worse.

[Anonymous]

I'd acknowledge and let her know you really appreciate her reviewing and correcting your work as you like to put out the best possible product.

[Anonymous]

I'm a boss who also happens to be a really good proofreader. (Believe me, I'd rather have a more glamorous skill.) I've never minded correcting errors made by direct reports and other colleagues, but it drives me nuts when people say they didn't look at a document carefully because they knew I'd catch any errors anyway. I prefer they give their best effort, and I bet your boss does, too. Acknowledge the errors, and say you are learning from the corrections she makes. You are, right??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a boss who also happens to be a really good proofreader. (Believe me, I'd rather have a more glamorous skill.) I've never minded correcting errors made by direct reports and other colleagues, but it drives me nuts when people say they didn't look at a document carefully because they knew I'd catch any errors anyway. I prefer they give their best effort, and I bet your boss does, too. Acknowledge the errors, and say you are learning from the corrections she makes. You are, right??

+1. Manager here who was an editor in a prior life. Nothing grinds my gears more than someone who does not proofread carefully because they know I will catch the error. It gives me the impression that they are half-assing it. In a couple of instances, I have sent e-mails saying "I will not have a chance to review this before I pass it along. Thus, I am going to take my name off and pass it along." You would be shocked at the "Well, let me just take one more look" responses that I get.

OP, you should acknowledge the errors to your boss and assure her that you are trying to improve on that front. I agree with another PP. If you do not bring it up, she may think that you do not know any better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a boss who also happens to be a really good proofreader. (Believe me, I'd rather have a more glamorous skill.) I've never minded correcting errors made by direct reports and other colleagues, but it drives me nuts when people say they didn't look at a document carefully because they knew I'd catch any errors anyway. I prefer they give their best effort, and I bet your boss does, too. Acknowledge the errors, and say you are learning from the corrections she makes. You are, right??

YES.
This drives me insane.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. I took your advice and it worked well so far. It is so hard not to be defensive but I let it go and sucked it up. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Good for you, OP! I love that you addressed it, and even though it made you uncomfortable, you are taking in the information and moving forward. In my experience, lots of folks just complain about the feedback.