Providing feedback for my boss

Anonymous

April 4,2023 at 11:14AM UTC

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Providing feedback for my boss

Since it’s annual review time, my managers boss has requested feedback via Workday on my manager.

My manager is nice, but she regularly inserts herself in the work of my direct reports and just overall. I’m pretty sure it’s because she doesn’t have a clearly defined role of her own (she got out in her position — didn’t apply for it..don’t get me started on the politics).

I’d like to leave some productive/valuable feedback for her without bashing her to her boss, but HOW should I professionally word “please focus on doing your own job. Stop panicking every time a request comes through for our teams support. Trust me as a manager to guide my direct reports and back off a little because it causes confuses. And quite frankly you’re overstepping, not really helping at this point.”???

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AnonymousApril 4,2023 at 11:30AM UTC
Perhaps consider something like: "I appreciate your support and the continued growth to allow me to be the leader of my team, even when it seems pressing on your plate. You being very available for when I need your guidance as being a continual learner is important for us all when I reach out. One of my goals is to be the business leader for my team and having you available to consult when needed will make myself and team to be the leaders in our area. Entrusting me to be responsible for any requests from the team is an opportunity to grow from. Appreciate your support."
Ally MorganApril 4,2023 at 12:24PM UTC
I would say that instead of assuming why this person does this, talk to her about it and ask her. I would not list this on her review. That does not seem like a good means to fix this problem.
AnonymousApril 5,2023 at 12:30PM UTC
I disagree.
Because that's what reviews are for, Constructive feedback. It's a perfect means of fixing the problem. Its the companies formal way of addressing these types of issues. Not only does it cover your ass to use the formal process of feedback instead of going to her privately but it will help her truly improve and make management aware. I don't think she is trying to attack the manager or get her fired. Do the review, put all of it in there, professionally speaking of course. And THEN if it persist have a talk with her.
AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 1:19PM UTC
Hmmm...
Be Careful & Tread Lightly!!
I was once ASSURED that feedback on my boss would remain anonymous & guess what...IT DID NOT!! There's no turning back once your boss finds out ??
AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 1:26PM UTC
Yes! Don’t ever say anything in a survey or review that you wouldn’t be willing to say directly to someone’s face.
AnonymousApril 6,2023 at 5:06PM UTC
Recommend this wording: Often when trying to manage my direct reports I find that Ms X has communicated things to them directly without reviewing these things with me first which is causing some confusion in my team about direction. I would ask that as we continue to work together that we agree on directional tasking to my reports through me and I will keep you/her informed if there are issues. Otherwise I enjoy working with her and we have a good rapport to grow the team and business. There, corrective action and positivity...feel free to take word for word if you like what I wrote above.
NimishaApril 7,2023 at 1:19PM UTC
I'd suggest find a way to manage things with her but do not say anything in the review. It can worsen a lot of things