What is your take on this and how to handle?

Anonymous

January 15,2023 at 1:45PM UTC

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What is your take on this and how to handle?

I've been working at the same company for 9 years(same position) and recently was told that I need to 'step it up' by one of the bosses and this same boss recently started to check everything I do. She will ask how I do something 3 more times afterwards and asks if she were to ask another coworker would we have the same story. (Which we would). To me it feels that she is now looking for something I do wrong.

According to everyone else around me, I do more than Ishould, but it's the one boss that seems to be looking for something I'm doing wrong at every meeting we have. This is a more recent thing. Has this type of thing happened to others before and how do you handle it so it doesn't affect you?

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AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 1:52PM UTC
This happened to me. Suddenly after hiring a peer at a much lower pay rate and title I started getting “mirrored” and questioned in every single thing. The feedback went from sterling to lousy and I was beginning to realize that I was being set up to be let go. 7 months later, that exactly happened but o was never put on a plan of improvement and I received severance even though it was for performance. It’s a tactic they use when they are trying to cut back on salaries and costs. Usually done to older, higher-paid employees.
AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 6:34PM UTC
Yup, same happened to me. Took me 5 mos of fighting them tooth & nail to receive uncontested unemployment, severance, and the overtime they owed me. I was there 18 years and layoffs had occurred for several long term employees months before me.
GiovannaJanuary 15,2023 at 2:00PM UTC
It happened to me to in a small company, a gym , she started to check everything and criticize me even in front of the customers. In short, she didn't want to have a paid employee and she was looking for pretests to let me go. And that happened after less than two months later. At the time I didn't realize her intentions and I was shocked by her bad attitude. So, my suggestion is to improves your weak sides and let the rest. In the meanwhile update your cv.Good luck
AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 2:01PM UTC
Have you sat down with this boss to have an open and honest conversation about what you’re observing and feeling? I would
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 5:46AM UTC
I have- I sat down with both bosses. I thought it went well but a week later it was back to the same thing and got questioned almost more than before from the 1 boss that was checking everything I did
Maureen MulveyJanuary 15,2023 at 2:02PM UTC
H.R.
AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 6:35PM UTC
I wouldn't trust HR. They're there to back the higher ups in their decisions.
But would absolutely document everything and prepare to exit that job as soon as I could find a new job.
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 5:47AM UTC
The boss is HR so it's not really an option as it's a small company
AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 2:41PM UTC
At the time this is happening, I would be straightforward, and ask, is something wrong, are there deadlines missed? I never lay all my cards on the table, and would not be comfortable having a 'warm and fuzzy' conversation with someone my gut tells me wants me gone. Too much ammo. Yes, update your cv and start looking- it never hurts.
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 5:49AM UTC
I did ask what I was making mistakes on, only to have the question ignored and have it pushed aside.
Joyce Breitweiser HallJanuary 15,2023 at 3:55PM UTC
This happened to me. My understanding is that management wanted to hire someone to do my job for a lower salary so they harassed me into quitting. If this is the case, your immediate supervisor will not tell you this and may want to keep you, but is following orders from higher up. Realize that it’s not you and you only have control of your own actions in order to protect your mental and physical health. Look for another job and get out of there.
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 12:35PM UTC
It definitely sounds like a shift has happened.
It appears that not only is this boss trying to learn your job or certain aspects of it, she's trying to search for reasons you are not doing your job. It might be to let you go.
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 3:40PM UTC
Have ever actually asked this boss”what are you really trying to find out/ know about my work?” State it once just like that and then shut your mouth. Stand there like a stone until she answers. You deserve areal answer. Keep doing your job as you have been for 9 years. Try to find a new boss “friend “ who could be on your side if it hits the fan with the nosy boss.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterJanuary 16,2023 at 6:15PM UTC
I had this happen with a client recently, and unfortunately, she was shown the door. I would recommend a sit-down with the person in question to understand why the change in behavior. Listen to her body language and your gut - and take appropriate actions afterward.
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 6:18PM UTC
Sometimes companies do a RIF- reduction in force. They might be asked for force rank their team and to let go of the bottom 10% for cost cutting. Since you have been there for such a long time look at the bottom line of how well the company is doing and if they are not doing as well as the leadership wanted this might be what is on the road ahead. After 9 years there in the same job perhaps, it's time to look for something new? Additionally, if they are concerned about how fast you do something vs another that is another way to measure you out. Be honest with yourself about your own career growth and make sure they also still fit you.
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 9:36PM UTC
Depending on what you do, is it possible your job scope has changed (or should have)? We had a similar issue with an employee who was perfectly happy with her original job and wasn't interested in stretching more than a minimal amount. The problem was that her original duties were being automated as we upgraded systems and we needed someone to take things to the next level. She wasn't that someone (her own choice). So her job evaluations did go from "you're doing great" to "not meeting expectations" because of her unwillingness to grow the role. She finally decided to retire.
KellyW43January 17,2023 at 1:23PM UTC
I've seen where some supervisors are looking at you for a promotion, so they start doing things like this to see how you react under pressure.
I would ask for specifics. "Where am I lacking and what can I do to bring it up to par?"
You don't know what you're doing wrong until you ask. If you are doing anything wrong.
Tonya KempJanuary 17,2023 at 1:37PM UTC
You mention that you have several bosses. Are you able to ask any of the other ones if they have any insight? I would definitely start putting feelers out into a job search. if you find something better or get a good offer, it provides you with some negotiation leverage. It is also better to find a job you like now than when you need one and may feel forced to settle.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 1:42PM UTC
As many have suggested, have a conversation with your boss. Do a follow up email so you have documentation of the meeting.
Be sure you are asking the right questions and not coming off as accusing otherwise your boss may become defensive. Also, be sure you are not going above and beyond with your information since you don’t know if you are providing a “training manual “ for your replacement. If you are following department guidelines then your boss should have the processes you follow in writing. I’m not sure if that made sense.
Jennifer TannerJanuary 17,2023 at 1:53PM UTC
If you have one direct supervisor who is responsible for you, even if you have a number of bosses, I would recommend discussing it with the person you directly report to since they're the one who has to officially sign off on everything.
I would definitely be trying to solicit feedback from the other bosses and the person I directly report. Having a number of people above you can be a lot of conflicting input. Finding a mentor and some more communicative/supportive allies in your direct supervisory chain would be helpful.
Also begin documenting what it is you do -- both to show to this critical boss and to update your resume (which is never a bad idea to keep updated anyway.)
Leader135412January 17,2023 at 2:11PM UTC
You didn't mention how long this boss has been working with you. I would ask to have a discussion with her and another boss as a witness. And remind them you've been there for 9 years. Can this boss please provide any proof or documents that you have been slipping in your duties ? If not, ask if it is personal. Seems like she's setting you up. I wouldn't explain anything to her , except the fact that you know your job.
you have been slipping in your job performance ?
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 8:21AM UTC
So the bosses above me own the company and have been there the whole time, I've been the manager [just me] for 7 years and I am 35 years old. I don't think I have been. When I asked what I needed to work on it was pushed aside and minimal trivial things were brought up. Things I feel do not warrant a sit down meeting for me to ask what I need to improve on. Nothing on paper or documents
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 9:07PM UTC
There could be a disconnect between what you consider trivial and what they consider trivial. This sounds like a small company, which puts things in a little bit different light. It's unlikely you have much opportunity to improve things if this person is one of the owners or at least tight with them.
Kerry RoperJanuary 17,2023 at 2:31PM UTC
Let them play their “restructuring” game, til they let you go, and please do apply for unemployment on the day they let you go. If they try to fight it, be SURE TO appeal. Comments re the financial reasons they want to show you the door are correct and even more so bc it’s a small business. Loyalty is non existent, especially with older and higher paid employees. As for the comment of just “HR”, don’t bother. I’ve seen recently there is a huge swing toward the “no title” and shared workload (cost cutting) methodology. This requires an internal procedural audit, usually to find the redundancies in effort. This may be what they’re doing, but further insight and behind the scenes knowledge is needed - which I don’t think they are willing to reveal. I’d simply ask why the recent interest in YOUR role or is EVERYONE being asked to document their procedures.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 3:12PM UTC
Get specifics on what they mean by 'stepping it up'. If the parameters of said are doable then decide to either follow through or start submitting your resume to other companies.
Pamela WhiteJanuary 17,2023 at 3:14PM UTC
Nine years is a long time to be in the same position and doing the same things in the same way. The fact that she is questioning you implies that there is a more efficient way of doing your job that she may see others using but not you. Think about it.. why is she asking you how you execute something three times and also implying that someone else could possibly come to another solution? Everything has changed. Ask yourself if you have changed? Have you updated your skills? Are you leaning how to do things more efficiently then when you first started? It’s easy to get stuck doing the same old thing and continuing in how we were taught. This does not have to be negative. This will only better you in the long run.
Beth DaniellJanuary 17,2023 at 3:35PM UTC
If the boss wanted to encourage her to change the way she's doing things, she should provide examples and support, not just questions. I understand the idea of not wanting to just give the answers, to have people interrogate and come up with ideas on their own, but this seems like a very passive aggressive way to go about it.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 3:17PM UTC
First off when a boss asks you to step it up. I would ask for clear examples of what behavior she would like to see you change or what actions she would like you to take so she feels you are accomplishing what she wants you to. It is a vague ask and she owes you clarity. Likely you are doing much of it already
MORJanuary 17,2023 at 4:26PM UTC
I would ask my Reporting Manager for clear goal setting in the Performance Management System and request for regular feedback. Every detail should be documented. Your experience and knowledge in your workplace is your power. Train someone else for your role only if you have received a letter from HR listing your new role and responsibilities. Please don't rely on the goodness of others. Everyone is only looking out for their best interests and have absolutely no qualms about throwing someone under the bus. No matter how many sacrifices you've made. No matter how many days you could have taken sick leave but didn't because no one else can do the job like you and you know they are depending on you.
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 4:51PM UTC
What is "step it up"? I think it is outrageous for someone to put it that way.
Kristin BurnsJanuary 17,2023 at 3:44PM UTC
I agree with the others that they are clearly trying to push you out of your role. But that doesn't necessarily mean out of a job - it only depends on if you want to stay at your company.
9 years in the same role is very long in this environment. Think of what technology, office-life and the world was like 9 years ago. I assume you will agree there have been significant changes.
If you are continuing to repeat the same steps to complete tasks as you did 9 years ago, look to see if there are newer or more efficient ways to complete them. If you don't want to, I agree it's probably time to look for a similar role at a different employer.
I also think it's fair for someone (either your boss or their superior more likely looking at the overall team structure) to expect growth over this time. The bad part is sometimes they don't offer any support for that growth - through stretch projects, training, new opportunities, training someone to take over tasks you've outgrown etc. This boss is handling it poorly by trying to push you out vs being honest with you that your role could/should be done by someone more junior and you should bring your skills into a more advanced role.
That is the best case scenario of course, and will only work if there is that opportunity. If they choose to push you out, it will be their loss of your institutional knowledge and relationships you have built over the years.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 4:29PM UTC
It sounds like this micro-manager is trying to eliminate your job or replace you with someone else. Managers who are bullies need to be reported, however you will need to document all of the occurrences. Stand your ground! Good Luck!
Suzette ManduleyJanuary 17,2023 at 4:30PM UTC
I think you should have a meeting with that particular boss and ask them what's going on and how can you help. You can phrase this in a constructive manner but as a professional you should be taking the action to find out.
They may have a completely different agenda than you think. Perhaps they are working on a business process improvement plan. See what you can do to support.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 5:02PM UTC
Two things
1) How old are you? Would it apply that they might be trying to move you out because of age?
2) You say that according to everyone else around me, you do more than you should but I would be suspicious of that. Has anyone new started, even up to a year ago? I would agree with Saaima Mukhtar. Everyone is only looking out for their best interests and have absolutely no qualms about throwing someone under the bus. And even if you ask people around you, they are going to tell you what you want to hear.Sorry to be so pessimistic. I have just been there too many times. One up thing I can say is that if #2
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 8:23AM UTC
I'm about 35 so I don't believe it's age. I haven't asked around, simply told by employees who hear things when something is brought up not behind doors.
MORJanuary 19,2023 at 9:29AM UTC
Sorry to know that you have had bad experiences too. You sound wonderful. It's a real shame, and clearly those companies' loss.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 5:40PM UTC
I see this exact same thing with my superior. Although, I’m new in the role, my superior is disrespected by his superior, and is often taking on jobs, assignments that were supposed to be for other team members of his level, but were never replaced. It is sad because, it is often done in public.
Linda BlackmoreJanuary 17,2023 at 5:48PM UTC
Sorry to say, it seems like they are trying to move you out of the job and company. Most likely it has nothing to do with you except you are more senior and probably more expensive. Probably has everything to do with the company's financial situation. Has nothing to do with the quality of your work or you really. But instead of handling a lay-off properly (which means more publically for the company) they have decided they will pick at you and pressure you out. Thie same may be happening to other employees there as well. If there is any whiff of or indication it is age, race, gender, orientation, etc discrimination-based in why you and not someone else, I would stick as long as possible and document everything. A discrimination lawsuit might be the only way with teeth. Otherwise, I would be updating my resume and starting to look elsewhere. I appreciate that if you've been at this employer for 9 years, it will be difficult to shift into a job-hunting and selling one's self mindset. But unless you have enough FU money saved to retire now or take a year out, this is the best way to control what happens to you going forward.
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 4:48PM UTC
Lesson Learned: Always keep your resume current and know what the industry is doing.
Wanda Corner, PhD, PMPJanuary 17,2023 at 6:39PM UTC
It sounds like they are trying to get you to quit. No one is perfect. It is easy to find fault with anyone if you try to find it in their performance (whether true or not). Of course, there is no need to wait until the guillotine hits either. Well you have a few options: 1) wait to see what happens and let them fire you. 2) Start looking for a new position or 3) Go to HR-although that may backfire depending on what is acceptable to them or what their stance is on fair and equitable treatment.
Best Wishes.....
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 4:46PM UTC
Totally agree. I am in that position. I took a medical leave (not paid of course), went to HR (they never did an "investigation"), and started looking elsewhere. The turnover is almost 70% in the job and department! I had a team lead that set me up for injury and failure.
Rebecca MillikenJanuary 17,2023 at 7:12PM UTC
Get your resume up to date.
Farah BajwaJanuary 17,2023 at 10:48PM UTC
Trying to stay optimistic - by any chance are they trying to update their internal processes? Perhaps they're looking to how you're doing things to update them to what you're doing??
Otherwise, I agree with the rest, I was laid off 9.5 years into a position (just six months shy of being vested for their stocks). And when i left, I discovered I was doing the job of 2.5 people so it was a gift from God that they laid me off. Was able to file for unemployment benefits and got a better paying job with their competitor :D
Ida McCartyJanuary 18,2023 at 12:21AM UTC
The writing is on the wall. Start interviewing and making contact with recruiters. They are looking to downsize, and you are on the hit list. Been in this situation before, and wish you the best.
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 4:01AM UTC
Sounds like your boss has a problem with you or your work and might like you gone. Not only is the boss criticizing your work, she is also questioning your veracity. As others have suggested, your boss’s actions could also be in anticipation of having to downsize.
Tell your boss that you’ve noticed a change in her interactions with you, and request a meeting to address any concerns. Have a member of HR or another neutral manager present, if you feel the need. During the meeting, keep an open, fact-finding approach. If there is a legitimate concern, address it.
Definitely polish up your resume, too. Managers who begin to find fault are often preparing to fire you. I’ve been the victim of this.
Bradford McCormickJanuary 18,2023 at 12:53PM UTC
"I do more than Ishould, but it's the one boss that seems to be looking for something I'm doing wrong at every meeting we have." It sounds like you have a problem: a boss who has a problem which makes her be a problem. You ar not likely going to be able to solve her problem. Yu are a cat for her to kick. Is there any hope she will go away? That you can get a transfer? Start looking for another job? You will not likely get a good review out of this person who due to whatever pboelem she has either has it in for you specifically or h=is just generally unhappy with herself. One thing to be sure: Do not in any way indicate that you have any problem with her: she is a perfet boss and you greatly appreciate all the help she thoughtfully gives you. Think what you like; keep it to yourself until you can get out. Do not hurt yourself because she is trying to get you to do so.
AnonymousJanuary 19,2023 at 3:35AM UTC
Ugh, sorry. This has happened to me several times and the team I was on noticed quickly and scattered to the four winds. My trusted coworker said “watch out, this new guy is on a fault finding mission and will pick apart everything you’ve been doing to make it appear to HIS superiors that he’s “adding value”.” I didn’t listen and tried to stay…well, guess what she was right. I should have left when those around me did.
Lori branchJanuary 19,2023 at 10:21PM UTC
Yes, unfortunately it happened to me at my last job. Since this was my first elememtary school teqching job (i taught high school before), she micromanaged me at first. She then backed off and was fair. The 3rd year I was there, she then micromanaged everything I did. She had something to say about everything and she has never been a special ed teacher! I talked to her in provate about it, and she proceeded to say she was only doing her job. She was very heard headed and I ended up transferring to another school.
but, if I were in your shoes, I would talk to your boss first. For most people, this seems to work (just not in my case)
maybe she doesnt realize she is doing it. Good luck to.you
.
Liz MilneJanuary 22,2023 at 11:44PM UTC
Call her out: 'You seem to be worrying about my performance by checking up on me and asking how I do things? What, specifically, can I do to 'step up' as my colleagues and other managers seem to be perfectly happy with my work?'
If you have a friend in management, or something with a good sense of fair play, ask them to mediate, especially if they are in a higher position than her.
My nasty suspicious mind thinks she wants your job for a friend of hers... :/