Having conflict with my own manager

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So here is the scene:



My manager got hired in my company 2 months ago (full time). Before that he came here as a consultant. The company he came from, I used to work over there until I got laid off. The CEO of that company told my manager something negative about me. I know this for sure.



Now, when he was a consultant everything was good. He used to make jokes about me and I didn't like it. So I kind of reverted it back to him whenever he tried. But NOW he became my manager and there is a tension between both of us. I am afraid to ask any questions to him because the tone he uses is harsh and I feel offended. Plus he belittles me in front of his desk, where everyone can listen.



My question is: How should I approach this issue? I don't want to drag this tension for a period of time.







share|improve this question


















  • 3




    Does he have a manager? This is a good time to raise it with him. Not just the issue of the public execution, but your long term prospects of cooperation. Your long term prospects of mutual respect is pretty dim
    – kolossus
    Jan 31 '13 at 17:13











  • @kolossus: Yes! He has a manager who took my interview. He is good with me and respect my work ethic n all. I am not keen on keeping here LONG term wise though :
    – RG-3
    Jan 31 '13 at 18:29










  • How do you KNOW the other CEO talked you down? I mean besides your history with that CEO. Has the Mgr done/said something to give you that impression?
    – monsto
    Jan 31 '13 at 21:50






  • 1




    Possible duplicate of How do I respectfully go above my manager?
    – gnat
    Oct 13 '16 at 16:39
















up vote
6
down vote

favorite
1












So here is the scene:



My manager got hired in my company 2 months ago (full time). Before that he came here as a consultant. The company he came from, I used to work over there until I got laid off. The CEO of that company told my manager something negative about me. I know this for sure.



Now, when he was a consultant everything was good. He used to make jokes about me and I didn't like it. So I kind of reverted it back to him whenever he tried. But NOW he became my manager and there is a tension between both of us. I am afraid to ask any questions to him because the tone he uses is harsh and I feel offended. Plus he belittles me in front of his desk, where everyone can listen.



My question is: How should I approach this issue? I don't want to drag this tension for a period of time.







share|improve this question


















  • 3




    Does he have a manager? This is a good time to raise it with him. Not just the issue of the public execution, but your long term prospects of cooperation. Your long term prospects of mutual respect is pretty dim
    – kolossus
    Jan 31 '13 at 17:13











  • @kolossus: Yes! He has a manager who took my interview. He is good with me and respect my work ethic n all. I am not keen on keeping here LONG term wise though :
    – RG-3
    Jan 31 '13 at 18:29










  • How do you KNOW the other CEO talked you down? I mean besides your history with that CEO. Has the Mgr done/said something to give you that impression?
    – monsto
    Jan 31 '13 at 21:50






  • 1




    Possible duplicate of How do I respectfully go above my manager?
    – gnat
    Oct 13 '16 at 16:39












up vote
6
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
6
down vote

favorite
1






1





So here is the scene:



My manager got hired in my company 2 months ago (full time). Before that he came here as a consultant. The company he came from, I used to work over there until I got laid off. The CEO of that company told my manager something negative about me. I know this for sure.



Now, when he was a consultant everything was good. He used to make jokes about me and I didn't like it. So I kind of reverted it back to him whenever he tried. But NOW he became my manager and there is a tension between both of us. I am afraid to ask any questions to him because the tone he uses is harsh and I feel offended. Plus he belittles me in front of his desk, where everyone can listen.



My question is: How should I approach this issue? I don't want to drag this tension for a period of time.







share|improve this question














So here is the scene:



My manager got hired in my company 2 months ago (full time). Before that he came here as a consultant. The company he came from, I used to work over there until I got laid off. The CEO of that company told my manager something negative about me. I know this for sure.



Now, when he was a consultant everything was good. He used to make jokes about me and I didn't like it. So I kind of reverted it back to him whenever he tried. But NOW he became my manager and there is a tension between both of us. I am afraid to ask any questions to him because the tone he uses is harsh and I feel offended. Plus he belittles me in front of his desk, where everyone can listen.



My question is: How should I approach this issue? I don't want to drag this tension for a period of time.









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Jan 31 '13 at 17:46









MrFox

11.8k33857




11.8k33857










asked Jan 31 '13 at 16:58









RG-3

1333




1333







  • 3




    Does he have a manager? This is a good time to raise it with him. Not just the issue of the public execution, but your long term prospects of cooperation. Your long term prospects of mutual respect is pretty dim
    – kolossus
    Jan 31 '13 at 17:13











  • @kolossus: Yes! He has a manager who took my interview. He is good with me and respect my work ethic n all. I am not keen on keeping here LONG term wise though :
    – RG-3
    Jan 31 '13 at 18:29










  • How do you KNOW the other CEO talked you down? I mean besides your history with that CEO. Has the Mgr done/said something to give you that impression?
    – monsto
    Jan 31 '13 at 21:50






  • 1




    Possible duplicate of How do I respectfully go above my manager?
    – gnat
    Oct 13 '16 at 16:39












  • 3




    Does he have a manager? This is a good time to raise it with him. Not just the issue of the public execution, but your long term prospects of cooperation. Your long term prospects of mutual respect is pretty dim
    – kolossus
    Jan 31 '13 at 17:13











  • @kolossus: Yes! He has a manager who took my interview. He is good with me and respect my work ethic n all. I am not keen on keeping here LONG term wise though :
    – RG-3
    Jan 31 '13 at 18:29










  • How do you KNOW the other CEO talked you down? I mean besides your history with that CEO. Has the Mgr done/said something to give you that impression?
    – monsto
    Jan 31 '13 at 21:50






  • 1




    Possible duplicate of How do I respectfully go above my manager?
    – gnat
    Oct 13 '16 at 16:39







3




3




Does he have a manager? This is a good time to raise it with him. Not just the issue of the public execution, but your long term prospects of cooperation. Your long term prospects of mutual respect is pretty dim
– kolossus
Jan 31 '13 at 17:13





Does he have a manager? This is a good time to raise it with him. Not just the issue of the public execution, but your long term prospects of cooperation. Your long term prospects of mutual respect is pretty dim
– kolossus
Jan 31 '13 at 17:13













@kolossus: Yes! He has a manager who took my interview. He is good with me and respect my work ethic n all. I am not keen on keeping here LONG term wise though :
– RG-3
Jan 31 '13 at 18:29




@kolossus: Yes! He has a manager who took my interview. He is good with me and respect my work ethic n all. I am not keen on keeping here LONG term wise though :
– RG-3
Jan 31 '13 at 18:29












How do you KNOW the other CEO talked you down? I mean besides your history with that CEO. Has the Mgr done/said something to give you that impression?
– monsto
Jan 31 '13 at 21:50




How do you KNOW the other CEO talked you down? I mean besides your history with that CEO. Has the Mgr done/said something to give you that impression?
– monsto
Jan 31 '13 at 21:50




1




1




Possible duplicate of How do I respectfully go above my manager?
– gnat
Oct 13 '16 at 16:39




Possible duplicate of How do I respectfully go above my manager?
– gnat
Oct 13 '16 at 16:39










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
9
down vote



accepted










First, if he says anything negative to you that you don't appreciate, bring it up immediately - "John, I don't really appreciate it when you say things like that."



Second, if he says anything in front of others, see if you can take him aside and bring that up as well - "John, if you have an issue with something I've done, I'd appreciate it if you told me in person, rather than calling me out in front of the group."



Third, ask for some time for a sit-down with him, now that he's the manager. He should be able to tell you what his expectations are for you (in terms of day-to-day processes as well as a long-term goal), and you should lay out your long-term goals as well. If it's just the two of you, it could give him the chance to tell you about some things that he noticed about you when he was a consultant, but now he has to act on them since you're reporting to him. This could be a chance for both of you to clear the air, and you'll have a better idea about what to expect in your work relationship with him.






share|improve this answer




















  • Thanks Adam. This was very helpful. I sometimes fear that what could happen if I tell him upfront. Never did anything like this in the past and I never had any conflict too.
    – RG-3
    Jan 31 '13 at 18:35










  • @RG-3 - I hear ya, I hate conflict, too. But there comes a point where it's best to give it a shot. Adam V's steps above are the best first steps. If they don't work, or you get an inappropriate response, then you have a good case for going to HR and asking for assistance. But as it is, many HR reps would probably tell you to try to express yourself to your manager first, before they try taking other action.
    – bethlakshmi
    Jan 31 '13 at 19:45






  • 1




    Good answer - I especially endorse the "what are your expectations of me?/these are my goals" approach. It establishes that you have a professional attitude towards your association but also that you feel that the current situation needs to change without putting your boss on the defensive. The whole "we need to resolve our differences" approach is a lot trickier as it's inherently confrontational and can easily get awkward and devolve into "I said/you said".
    – pap
    Feb 1 '13 at 12:55

















up vote
6
down vote














I am afraid to ask any questions to him because the tone he uses is harsh and I feel offended. Plus he belittles me in front of his desk, where everyone can listen.




Without knowing more details, about all I can do is recommend some books by Suzette Haden Elgin, starting with The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work. In her series of books (they all have "gentle art of verbal self-defense" in the title), she describes a number of linguistic attacks and traps that many people don't realize are going on. She also gives a number of responses that can be used to deflect away from the emotional attacks into actual communication as well as identifying the real issues under discussion.






share|improve this answer




















  • Nice recommendation on books Tangurena.
    – RG-3
    Jan 31 '13 at 18:39






  • 1




    That is an excellent book.
    – HLGEM
    Feb 1 '13 at 18:24

















up vote
6
down vote













In addition to all the good advice already provided here, I'd add that the best defense I ever saw was by a secretary who was accused of not being productive (not your exact problem, necessarily, I realize) who kept a log of all her work over the 30 days she was being "watched". When she presented the hard evidence that she was indeed, very productive, her manager had to reverse their original low evaluation score.



My point is that even though you can't keep a record of the verbal conversations you have with this person, you can keep a record of all the positive, cooperative and professional e-mails (and it's usually a good idea to keep an e-mail trail of work issues, lest people forget what has been agreed upon). Any evidence that you are cooperative and professional can only help you in case this issue with your manager deteriorates further.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    4
    down vote













    Just ask him:




    I could be mistaken, but I sense there may be some tension between us. I'm not aware of any specific incident that could be the cause, but I just want to make it clear that I don't have any negative feelings about you personally or professionally. I just want us to be able to work together. Is there anything I have done or said to offend or cause you concern in any way?




    You don't have to quote it, but you want to make sure that you communicate your lack of hard feelings toward him and give him the opportunity to voice whatever opinion or feelings he may have. This way, both of you know exactly where each other stands and, hopefully, you can move forward.






    share|improve this answer




















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      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

      votes








      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      9
      down vote



      accepted










      First, if he says anything negative to you that you don't appreciate, bring it up immediately - "John, I don't really appreciate it when you say things like that."



      Second, if he says anything in front of others, see if you can take him aside and bring that up as well - "John, if you have an issue with something I've done, I'd appreciate it if you told me in person, rather than calling me out in front of the group."



      Third, ask for some time for a sit-down with him, now that he's the manager. He should be able to tell you what his expectations are for you (in terms of day-to-day processes as well as a long-term goal), and you should lay out your long-term goals as well. If it's just the two of you, it could give him the chance to tell you about some things that he noticed about you when he was a consultant, but now he has to act on them since you're reporting to him. This could be a chance for both of you to clear the air, and you'll have a better idea about what to expect in your work relationship with him.






      share|improve this answer




















      • Thanks Adam. This was very helpful. I sometimes fear that what could happen if I tell him upfront. Never did anything like this in the past and I never had any conflict too.
        – RG-3
        Jan 31 '13 at 18:35










      • @RG-3 - I hear ya, I hate conflict, too. But there comes a point where it's best to give it a shot. Adam V's steps above are the best first steps. If they don't work, or you get an inappropriate response, then you have a good case for going to HR and asking for assistance. But as it is, many HR reps would probably tell you to try to express yourself to your manager first, before they try taking other action.
        – bethlakshmi
        Jan 31 '13 at 19:45






      • 1




        Good answer - I especially endorse the "what are your expectations of me?/these are my goals" approach. It establishes that you have a professional attitude towards your association but also that you feel that the current situation needs to change without putting your boss on the defensive. The whole "we need to resolve our differences" approach is a lot trickier as it's inherently confrontational and can easily get awkward and devolve into "I said/you said".
        – pap
        Feb 1 '13 at 12:55














      up vote
      9
      down vote



      accepted










      First, if he says anything negative to you that you don't appreciate, bring it up immediately - "John, I don't really appreciate it when you say things like that."



      Second, if he says anything in front of others, see if you can take him aside and bring that up as well - "John, if you have an issue with something I've done, I'd appreciate it if you told me in person, rather than calling me out in front of the group."



      Third, ask for some time for a sit-down with him, now that he's the manager. He should be able to tell you what his expectations are for you (in terms of day-to-day processes as well as a long-term goal), and you should lay out your long-term goals as well. If it's just the two of you, it could give him the chance to tell you about some things that he noticed about you when he was a consultant, but now he has to act on them since you're reporting to him. This could be a chance for both of you to clear the air, and you'll have a better idea about what to expect in your work relationship with him.






      share|improve this answer




















      • Thanks Adam. This was very helpful. I sometimes fear that what could happen if I tell him upfront. Never did anything like this in the past and I never had any conflict too.
        – RG-3
        Jan 31 '13 at 18:35










      • @RG-3 - I hear ya, I hate conflict, too. But there comes a point where it's best to give it a shot. Adam V's steps above are the best first steps. If they don't work, or you get an inappropriate response, then you have a good case for going to HR and asking for assistance. But as it is, many HR reps would probably tell you to try to express yourself to your manager first, before they try taking other action.
        – bethlakshmi
        Jan 31 '13 at 19:45






      • 1




        Good answer - I especially endorse the "what are your expectations of me?/these are my goals" approach. It establishes that you have a professional attitude towards your association but also that you feel that the current situation needs to change without putting your boss on the defensive. The whole "we need to resolve our differences" approach is a lot trickier as it's inherently confrontational and can easily get awkward and devolve into "I said/you said".
        – pap
        Feb 1 '13 at 12:55












      up vote
      9
      down vote



      accepted







      up vote
      9
      down vote



      accepted






      First, if he says anything negative to you that you don't appreciate, bring it up immediately - "John, I don't really appreciate it when you say things like that."



      Second, if he says anything in front of others, see if you can take him aside and bring that up as well - "John, if you have an issue with something I've done, I'd appreciate it if you told me in person, rather than calling me out in front of the group."



      Third, ask for some time for a sit-down with him, now that he's the manager. He should be able to tell you what his expectations are for you (in terms of day-to-day processes as well as a long-term goal), and you should lay out your long-term goals as well. If it's just the two of you, it could give him the chance to tell you about some things that he noticed about you when he was a consultant, but now he has to act on them since you're reporting to him. This could be a chance for both of you to clear the air, and you'll have a better idea about what to expect in your work relationship with him.






      share|improve this answer












      First, if he says anything negative to you that you don't appreciate, bring it up immediately - "John, I don't really appreciate it when you say things like that."



      Second, if he says anything in front of others, see if you can take him aside and bring that up as well - "John, if you have an issue with something I've done, I'd appreciate it if you told me in person, rather than calling me out in front of the group."



      Third, ask for some time for a sit-down with him, now that he's the manager. He should be able to tell you what his expectations are for you (in terms of day-to-day processes as well as a long-term goal), and you should lay out your long-term goals as well. If it's just the two of you, it could give him the chance to tell you about some things that he noticed about you when he was a consultant, but now he has to act on them since you're reporting to him. This could be a chance for both of you to clear the air, and you'll have a better idea about what to expect in your work relationship with him.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Jan 31 '13 at 17:15









      Adam V

      7,95722844




      7,95722844











      • Thanks Adam. This was very helpful. I sometimes fear that what could happen if I tell him upfront. Never did anything like this in the past and I never had any conflict too.
        – RG-3
        Jan 31 '13 at 18:35










      • @RG-3 - I hear ya, I hate conflict, too. But there comes a point where it's best to give it a shot. Adam V's steps above are the best first steps. If they don't work, or you get an inappropriate response, then you have a good case for going to HR and asking for assistance. But as it is, many HR reps would probably tell you to try to express yourself to your manager first, before they try taking other action.
        – bethlakshmi
        Jan 31 '13 at 19:45






      • 1




        Good answer - I especially endorse the "what are your expectations of me?/these are my goals" approach. It establishes that you have a professional attitude towards your association but also that you feel that the current situation needs to change without putting your boss on the defensive. The whole "we need to resolve our differences" approach is a lot trickier as it's inherently confrontational and can easily get awkward and devolve into "I said/you said".
        – pap
        Feb 1 '13 at 12:55
















      • Thanks Adam. This was very helpful. I sometimes fear that what could happen if I tell him upfront. Never did anything like this in the past and I never had any conflict too.
        – RG-3
        Jan 31 '13 at 18:35










      • @RG-3 - I hear ya, I hate conflict, too. But there comes a point where it's best to give it a shot. Adam V's steps above are the best first steps. If they don't work, or you get an inappropriate response, then you have a good case for going to HR and asking for assistance. But as it is, many HR reps would probably tell you to try to express yourself to your manager first, before they try taking other action.
        – bethlakshmi
        Jan 31 '13 at 19:45






      • 1




        Good answer - I especially endorse the "what are your expectations of me?/these are my goals" approach. It establishes that you have a professional attitude towards your association but also that you feel that the current situation needs to change without putting your boss on the defensive. The whole "we need to resolve our differences" approach is a lot trickier as it's inherently confrontational and can easily get awkward and devolve into "I said/you said".
        – pap
        Feb 1 '13 at 12:55















      Thanks Adam. This was very helpful. I sometimes fear that what could happen if I tell him upfront. Never did anything like this in the past and I never had any conflict too.
      – RG-3
      Jan 31 '13 at 18:35




      Thanks Adam. This was very helpful. I sometimes fear that what could happen if I tell him upfront. Never did anything like this in the past and I never had any conflict too.
      – RG-3
      Jan 31 '13 at 18:35












      @RG-3 - I hear ya, I hate conflict, too. But there comes a point where it's best to give it a shot. Adam V's steps above are the best first steps. If they don't work, or you get an inappropriate response, then you have a good case for going to HR and asking for assistance. But as it is, many HR reps would probably tell you to try to express yourself to your manager first, before they try taking other action.
      – bethlakshmi
      Jan 31 '13 at 19:45




      @RG-3 - I hear ya, I hate conflict, too. But there comes a point where it's best to give it a shot. Adam V's steps above are the best first steps. If they don't work, or you get an inappropriate response, then you have a good case for going to HR and asking for assistance. But as it is, many HR reps would probably tell you to try to express yourself to your manager first, before they try taking other action.
      – bethlakshmi
      Jan 31 '13 at 19:45




      1




      1




      Good answer - I especially endorse the "what are your expectations of me?/these are my goals" approach. It establishes that you have a professional attitude towards your association but also that you feel that the current situation needs to change without putting your boss on the defensive. The whole "we need to resolve our differences" approach is a lot trickier as it's inherently confrontational and can easily get awkward and devolve into "I said/you said".
      – pap
      Feb 1 '13 at 12:55




      Good answer - I especially endorse the "what are your expectations of me?/these are my goals" approach. It establishes that you have a professional attitude towards your association but also that you feel that the current situation needs to change without putting your boss on the defensive. The whole "we need to resolve our differences" approach is a lot trickier as it's inherently confrontational and can easily get awkward and devolve into "I said/you said".
      – pap
      Feb 1 '13 at 12:55












      up vote
      6
      down vote














      I am afraid to ask any questions to him because the tone he uses is harsh and I feel offended. Plus he belittles me in front of his desk, where everyone can listen.




      Without knowing more details, about all I can do is recommend some books by Suzette Haden Elgin, starting with The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work. In her series of books (they all have "gentle art of verbal self-defense" in the title), she describes a number of linguistic attacks and traps that many people don't realize are going on. She also gives a number of responses that can be used to deflect away from the emotional attacks into actual communication as well as identifying the real issues under discussion.






      share|improve this answer




















      • Nice recommendation on books Tangurena.
        – RG-3
        Jan 31 '13 at 18:39






      • 1




        That is an excellent book.
        – HLGEM
        Feb 1 '13 at 18:24














      up vote
      6
      down vote














      I am afraid to ask any questions to him because the tone he uses is harsh and I feel offended. Plus he belittles me in front of his desk, where everyone can listen.




      Without knowing more details, about all I can do is recommend some books by Suzette Haden Elgin, starting with The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work. In her series of books (they all have "gentle art of verbal self-defense" in the title), she describes a number of linguistic attacks and traps that many people don't realize are going on. She also gives a number of responses that can be used to deflect away from the emotional attacks into actual communication as well as identifying the real issues under discussion.






      share|improve this answer




















      • Nice recommendation on books Tangurena.
        – RG-3
        Jan 31 '13 at 18:39






      • 1




        That is an excellent book.
        – HLGEM
        Feb 1 '13 at 18:24












      up vote
      6
      down vote










      up vote
      6
      down vote










      I am afraid to ask any questions to him because the tone he uses is harsh and I feel offended. Plus he belittles me in front of his desk, where everyone can listen.




      Without knowing more details, about all I can do is recommend some books by Suzette Haden Elgin, starting with The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work. In her series of books (they all have "gentle art of verbal self-defense" in the title), she describes a number of linguistic attacks and traps that many people don't realize are going on. She also gives a number of responses that can be used to deflect away from the emotional attacks into actual communication as well as identifying the real issues under discussion.






      share|improve this answer













      I am afraid to ask any questions to him because the tone he uses is harsh and I feel offended. Plus he belittles me in front of his desk, where everyone can listen.




      Without knowing more details, about all I can do is recommend some books by Suzette Haden Elgin, starting with The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work. In her series of books (they all have "gentle art of verbal self-defense" in the title), she describes a number of linguistic attacks and traps that many people don't realize are going on. She also gives a number of responses that can be used to deflect away from the emotional attacks into actual communication as well as identifying the real issues under discussion.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Jan 31 '13 at 18:30









      Tangurena

      5,0401936




      5,0401936











      • Nice recommendation on books Tangurena.
        – RG-3
        Jan 31 '13 at 18:39






      • 1




        That is an excellent book.
        – HLGEM
        Feb 1 '13 at 18:24
















      • Nice recommendation on books Tangurena.
        – RG-3
        Jan 31 '13 at 18:39






      • 1




        That is an excellent book.
        – HLGEM
        Feb 1 '13 at 18:24















      Nice recommendation on books Tangurena.
      – RG-3
      Jan 31 '13 at 18:39




      Nice recommendation on books Tangurena.
      – RG-3
      Jan 31 '13 at 18:39




      1




      1




      That is an excellent book.
      – HLGEM
      Feb 1 '13 at 18:24




      That is an excellent book.
      – HLGEM
      Feb 1 '13 at 18:24










      up vote
      6
      down vote













      In addition to all the good advice already provided here, I'd add that the best defense I ever saw was by a secretary who was accused of not being productive (not your exact problem, necessarily, I realize) who kept a log of all her work over the 30 days she was being "watched". When she presented the hard evidence that she was indeed, very productive, her manager had to reverse their original low evaluation score.



      My point is that even though you can't keep a record of the verbal conversations you have with this person, you can keep a record of all the positive, cooperative and professional e-mails (and it's usually a good idea to keep an e-mail trail of work issues, lest people forget what has been agreed upon). Any evidence that you are cooperative and professional can only help you in case this issue with your manager deteriorates further.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        6
        down vote













        In addition to all the good advice already provided here, I'd add that the best defense I ever saw was by a secretary who was accused of not being productive (not your exact problem, necessarily, I realize) who kept a log of all her work over the 30 days she was being "watched". When she presented the hard evidence that she was indeed, very productive, her manager had to reverse their original low evaluation score.



        My point is that even though you can't keep a record of the verbal conversations you have with this person, you can keep a record of all the positive, cooperative and professional e-mails (and it's usually a good idea to keep an e-mail trail of work issues, lest people forget what has been agreed upon). Any evidence that you are cooperative and professional can only help you in case this issue with your manager deteriorates further.






        share|improve this answer






















          up vote
          6
          down vote










          up vote
          6
          down vote









          In addition to all the good advice already provided here, I'd add that the best defense I ever saw was by a secretary who was accused of not being productive (not your exact problem, necessarily, I realize) who kept a log of all her work over the 30 days she was being "watched". When she presented the hard evidence that she was indeed, very productive, her manager had to reverse their original low evaluation score.



          My point is that even though you can't keep a record of the verbal conversations you have with this person, you can keep a record of all the positive, cooperative and professional e-mails (and it's usually a good idea to keep an e-mail trail of work issues, lest people forget what has been agreed upon). Any evidence that you are cooperative and professional can only help you in case this issue with your manager deteriorates further.






          share|improve this answer












          In addition to all the good advice already provided here, I'd add that the best defense I ever saw was by a secretary who was accused of not being productive (not your exact problem, necessarily, I realize) who kept a log of all her work over the 30 days she was being "watched". When she presented the hard evidence that she was indeed, very productive, her manager had to reverse their original low evaluation score.



          My point is that even though you can't keep a record of the verbal conversations you have with this person, you can keep a record of all the positive, cooperative and professional e-mails (and it's usually a good idea to keep an e-mail trail of work issues, lest people forget what has been agreed upon). Any evidence that you are cooperative and professional can only help you in case this issue with your manager deteriorates further.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Jan 31 '13 at 19:04









          Kristina Lopez

          21134




          21134




















              up vote
              4
              down vote













              Just ask him:




              I could be mistaken, but I sense there may be some tension between us. I'm not aware of any specific incident that could be the cause, but I just want to make it clear that I don't have any negative feelings about you personally or professionally. I just want us to be able to work together. Is there anything I have done or said to offend or cause you concern in any way?




              You don't have to quote it, but you want to make sure that you communicate your lack of hard feelings toward him and give him the opportunity to voice whatever opinion or feelings he may have. This way, both of you know exactly where each other stands and, hopefully, you can move forward.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                4
                down vote













                Just ask him:




                I could be mistaken, but I sense there may be some tension between us. I'm not aware of any specific incident that could be the cause, but I just want to make it clear that I don't have any negative feelings about you personally or professionally. I just want us to be able to work together. Is there anything I have done or said to offend or cause you concern in any way?




                You don't have to quote it, but you want to make sure that you communicate your lack of hard feelings toward him and give him the opportunity to voice whatever opinion or feelings he may have. This way, both of you know exactly where each other stands and, hopefully, you can move forward.






                share|improve this answer






















                  up vote
                  4
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  4
                  down vote









                  Just ask him:




                  I could be mistaken, but I sense there may be some tension between us. I'm not aware of any specific incident that could be the cause, but I just want to make it clear that I don't have any negative feelings about you personally or professionally. I just want us to be able to work together. Is there anything I have done or said to offend or cause you concern in any way?




                  You don't have to quote it, but you want to make sure that you communicate your lack of hard feelings toward him and give him the opportunity to voice whatever opinion or feelings he may have. This way, both of you know exactly where each other stands and, hopefully, you can move forward.






                  share|improve this answer












                  Just ask him:




                  I could be mistaken, but I sense there may be some tension between us. I'm not aware of any specific incident that could be the cause, but I just want to make it clear that I don't have any negative feelings about you personally or professionally. I just want us to be able to work together. Is there anything I have done or said to offend or cause you concern in any way?




                  You don't have to quote it, but you want to make sure that you communicate your lack of hard feelings toward him and give him the opportunity to voice whatever opinion or feelings he may have. This way, both of you know exactly where each other stands and, hopefully, you can move forward.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Jan 31 '13 at 17:15









                  Neil T.

                  5,01711826




                  5,01711826






















                       

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