QUESTION: My manager is asking me probing questions because my colleague been bad-mouthing me.
FACT: Your communication with your manager is not adequate.
People are puzzled and get on the defensive when their managers ask probing questions about their work. They get irritated when they are micromanaged, They consider it as an unnecessary intervention. They wonder why the manager is asking those questions and how he gets such insights. The first suspicion falls on their colleagues who, they think, might be bad-mouthing them This suspicion deepens when the frequency of such discussions with the manager increases.
It should be understood that some managers are more intrusive and can easily get information from employees and their peer circle. And some employees have the habit of being outspoken about their opinions regarding their colleagues and the project. Managers collect information by asking probing questions, taking sample data and analyzing them, One of the key challenges for any manager is to foresee issues, and such an exercise serves this purpose. Besides, the possibility that some of the colleagues may have complained cannot be ruled out.
But why is the employee suspicious? Is there something that he has to hide? If a person s honest and believes in transparent communication with his manager, then he should not be worried. The manager should also facilitate an environment where team members are respected and there is mutual trust. The atmosphere should be such that even bad news is welcomed without any fear of retribution. Employees should be made to feel free to our their opinions and ideas, In case of doubt and suspicion, it always helps to clarify the issue with the manager and the colleague rather than keeping it to oneself and feeling low. Better and frequent interaction with the manager and colleagues can help in building a good relationship; it would also help allay any fears that someone was trying to sabotage your career,
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS THE EMPLOYEE? Why are you concerned about a co-worker bad-mouthing you? Do you have something to hide? Are you scared to accept your mistakes? Do you feel incapable of rectifying the mistakes that you might have committed? Or ‘are you simply hiding your weaknesses since admitting to them will make you appear. a low performer? Whatever the reason, your manager should know the details. It might be true that your co-workers have mentioned a problem about your work; it might be that since their work is dependent upon yours, they fear that you might delay the whole project. Or it could be that they complained because they genuinely care for you and, despite their help and support, you are not changing. It is better that you stop thinking about who complained; instead, focus on your work and build good and open communication with your manager and co-workers.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS THE MANAGER? Take time to explain the background in case you are asking a probing question which is not your normal style. Provide a non-threatening environment where people can speak openly and come out with issues freely. Try not to be vindictive; First understand the issue and provide help. If the team members see you as a facilitator, they will he more forthright in coming out with issues and solutions.
