My company we are told not to complement and heap phrase on workers if we can’t promote them that year. Sets them up for disappointment.

Anonymous wrote:If she says "not bad," is there some additional information on what should be different? If not, politely ask. "You said 'not bad' - is there an improvement you'd like to see?"

It would be nice if she said Thanks, but the fact you mentioned "better than before" suggests you are not delivering what she wanted.

This is a good approach. And be willing to listen if her critique mentions things you need to improve. Don't be defensive and be open to what she says. She may also just say no, nothing further to add and then you just need to get used to her style and not take it personally.

Anonymous wrote:Some people are just crappy managers. My experience is that such people generally don’t appreciate feedback. Personally I’d just learn to live with it. My current boss is like that. Her inter-personal skills are atrocious. But since she is very bad, I don’t feel any need to have her approval.

I feel this is the lack of experience and change in mindset to be a people manager. I would like to try to give tactful feedback and if it doesn't work out I can work on plan B

Anonymous wrote:If she says "not bad," is there some additional information on what should be different? If not, politely ask. "You said 'not bad' - is there an improvement you'd like to see?"

It would be nice if she said Thanks, but the fact you mentioned "better than before" suggests you are not delivering what she wanted.

Thanks for that suggestion I will use that.

Anonymous wrote:Not using that phrase, yes. Schedule a meeting to review a recent product. Say you are gathering feedback on your work to make sure it's meeting or exceeding expectations.

After a couple of these, she's going to start telling you you've done a great job to avoid having to provide substantive feedback and appreciate that you can just get the job done.

I am not clear how this will help. Unfortunately, our deliverables are not set and often need to be developed from scratch, and given different styles the feedback unspecific.

No. That’s what the money is for.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some people are just crappy managers. My experience is that such people generally don’t appreciate feedback. Personally I’d just learn to live with it. My current boss is like that. Her inter-personal skills are atrocious. But since she is very bad, I don’t feel any need to have her approval.

A lot of assumptions here and in the OP. Giving feedback is extremely valuable, especially to new managers. She can improve based on the feedback you give. Don’t be afraid; it’s a valuable strength as an employee.

You are right but I also need to accept if she doesn't like it she has the power to make my life a little unhappy. Plus I have to be thoughtful in how I share my feedback. After 6 months of observing I am ready, do you have any tips?

Give it some time.
If you are so great, work for yourself and problem solved.

Anonymous wrote:Some people are just crappy managers. My experience is that such people generally don’t appreciate feedback. Personally I’d just learn to live with it. My current boss is like that. Her inter-personal skills are atrocious. But since she is very bad, I don’t feel any need to have her approval.

A lot of assumptions here and in the OP. Giving feedback is extremely valuable, especially to new managers. She can improve based on the feedback you give. Don’t be afraid; it’s a valuable strength as an employee.

Start by learning English.

What do you want a gold star?

Not using that phrase, yes. Schedule a meeting to review a recent product. Say you are gathering feedback on your work to make sure it's meeting or exceeding expectations.

After a couple of these, she's going to start telling you you've done a great job to avoid having to provide substantive feedback and appreciate that you can just get the job done.

Some people are just crappy managers. My experience is that such people generally don’t appreciate feedback. Personally I’d just learn to live with it. My current boss is like that. Her inter-personal skills are atrocious. But since she is very bad, I don’t feel any need to have her approval.

If she says "not bad," is there some additional information on what should be different? If not, politely ask. "You said 'not bad' - is there an improvement you'd like to see?"

It would be nice if she said Thanks, but the fact you mentioned "better than before" suggests you are not delivering what she wanted.

How best to approach a first time manager who even when appreciating my efforts will had a negative twist, " this is not bad, this is better than before"... Never well done or thanks.

And rarely ever appreciates my effort. Luckily I also work with my managers boss and she always is appreciative when I deliver well.

For context I am a high performer and it's important for me to understand where I land with my manager.

Do I bring this up? How best to?

My observation is my manager likes to show off her newly granted authority and be seen as in charge. Not if she will take it well if I share my feedback.

I appreciate any tips you might have for me.. thanks