Upper management has the uncanny ability to make us instantly feel like crap. A little snipe on their end can do more damage than they’ll ever realize.
After completing an internship where I put in 40-plus hour weeks for no pay and no credit (and excelled!), I was sniped on my last day of work.
Upon a tiny mistake…
“Andrew’s letting it all go to s*it on his last day.”
The ‘boss’ will never know how much that comment stung. I take pride in everything I do; from Day 1 to endgame.
In theory, we’re all supposed to let these meaningless comments bounce off of us. (I’m rubber you’re glue, everything you say sticks back to you). Reality check: very few people forget.
REMINDERS FOR EMPLOYEES:
Don’t take these uncalled for reprimands personally. The negative comment could simply be the result of a ‘bad day.’ You have no idea what your boss is wrestling with personally, so try to give him/her the benefit of the doubt. This is assuming these comments are few and far between. If these types of comments become the rule instead in the exception, you might consider asking your boss if there’s a problem.
“I’ve noticed recently you’ve been commenting on XYZ, is there something I can do differently?”
I often find once you call what they are doing to their attention, they’ll cut it out.
REMINDERS FOR MANAGEMENT:
Like it or not, your comments and actions have a lasting impact. Remember how mom always told you you’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar… she was right. Little snipes have the ability to break up allegiances, yield less productivity and cause serious damage to your reputation.
Praise is important; criticism often has a longer shelf-life.
We’re ready for both sides of the story from bosses and employees. Let’s hear it.
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