Lifescripts, 3rd Edition

32Putting an End to Unjust Criticism from Your Supervisor

STRATEGY

You've landed a good job, hopped on the career track, and all of a sudden, your immediate supervisor threatens to derail your dreams. They're criticizing you constantly, usually for no good reason. You need to find out why—and ask them to cease and desist. But this is a narrow track you must walk with caution. Be too passive and apologetic, and you risk not being taken seriously. Be too aggressive and accusatory, and you risk stepping on the third rail and losing your job. The right mix of assurance and rationality should let your supervisor see the error of their ways. If not, don't jump off the trestle; if need be, you can go over your supervisor's head.

TACTICS

• Attitude: Be calm, non‐confrontational and unapologetic. You want to set the example here. It's likely your supervisor will react angrily, so be prepared to absorb that and go on. Present your case rationally and coolly.
• Preparation: Have specific examples of the abuse at hand. Document their behavior outlining date, time, situation, and what was said. Be prepared to present this information.
• Timing: Again, set the example. Ask your supervisor for a good time to meet in their office, or if that's not possible, somewhere private. Make sure to have this meeting as soon as possible after an outburst.

  

• Behavior: You want to keep this job, so make sure ...