Anonymous wrote:Are you in a job that has very objective performance criteria (e.g. sales where you have to meet a quota or something similar)? Because if there is any subjectivity to performance criteria, then your boss definitely has the right to critique your performance (although it really should be done one-on-one and not in public). I would ask to meet him one-on-one and ask point blank about his expectations and why he thinks you are not meeting these expectations or what you should be doing differently. Because honestly, if your boss's boss is not defending you in public when he hears those "mean" comments, then he is probably thinking along the same lines as your boss.
+1. Your problem is that your boss does not like you. It's important to get a handle on how peers and senior staff view you and your work, some employees are totally tone-deaf. Agree with PP that a direct conversation is in order instead of confronting him publicly.