my only motivation to be there is to earn money and my 401k. So many of my coworkers and management feel offended by this statement.
I’m union. Union lawyer thinks this is a management strategy to try to manipulate me.
Cue BS answer for any c-suite that tries making me feel insecure over this:
well, I’m a terrible liar, that’s why I’m asking you :D
the unfriendly party might be easy: I’m always friendly and direct because I want to work. maybe that?
Since you’re union the only correct response is: “I’m sorry you feel that way, I’ll do my best to work on that”. That needs to be your response for literally any type of criticism. It’s not an admission of guilt, it cuts the conversation short, and it’s not a direct commitment to fix it. If they follow up with more crap about why you need to fix it just repeat the line. If they want you to sign something, make sure to “RTS”
this is even better than I won’t apologise for having a growth mindset.
good advice, also using it
That is too much of a commitment. Should end with I’ll consider that, or I’ll look into that.
There is a fine line between not following instructions and being combative. The reason yours doesn’t work is because it opens the conversation up more for the employer to ask questions. It tows the line of being combative and telling the employer to pound sand.
There is no harm in telling the employer you’ll try to fix something. You just can’t commit because they’ll hold you to the standard you set. Committing to “do your best” can’t be challenged and most middle managers will think they won the conversation.