Bizarre work situation where I think my boss has lied - WWYD?

[ItsNotAShopItsAStore]

As part of my job I write the CEO’s column for the organisation’s newsletter every month. I tend to choose whichever relevant topics or events have been going on, send it to him and he usually just changes the odd word to make it sounds more like him.

My boss had a meeting with me the other day to say that the CEO and other SMT members have said that they aren’t happy with the content of the CEO’s column, that it doesn’t sound like him and it’s not “hitting the mark”. I need to change the tone completely, says boss. Boss then said they all wanted me to ‘interview’ the CEO every month for 30 minutes or so asking him what he’d like in his column and what the tone should be to avoid this problem reoccurring.

I was quite downhearted and surprised as the CEO never said a word before now.

So this morning I set up the Zoom call with CEO, it didn’t take long maybe less than 10 minutes. He did seem a bit bemused throughout the call and it was essentially me saying “How about we mention X” and him saying “Yes”. At the end he said “Sorry to be blunt but why are we having this call? You normally just send me a finished column and I’m happy with that, I’m not being rude but this call feels like a waste of my time”. I was MORTIFIED and said “Well Ashley said this is what had been requested”. CEO said “Not by me I think the column you write is great I don’t want anything changed”

So now I look like a massive tit in front of the CEO and feel like my boss has lied to me. How would you handle this??

Just ask them outright why they said it.

I don't think you look like a tit in front of your CEO, you boss does tho. Glad to hear you were honest and said 'boss' asked you to arrange the call. Would have been very easy to not mention it.

I'd speak to your boss and ask him why he asked you to arrange the call with the CEO as the feedback you got was good and he doesn't want to make any changes. Maybe someone has said something to your boss and tried to play you off against your boss?

I’d just be blunt and say “Oi! You told me X was the case but I’ve been made to look like a duffer because CEO says he didn’t say anything”

I'd tell Ashley exactly the question the CEO asked, what you told him and the fact that the CEO is happy with what you already do and didn't complain.

I'd then ask Ashley why he told you to do this, making you feel a fool in front of the CEO.

You don't look a tit in front of the CEO, Ashley does.

Email boss to update them on your work set up. Explain that following call with CEO the instruction to have the call will not be continued. The CEO is happy with the existing set up and it is not a good use of their time, which you od course respect.

Cc CEO if you feed angered enough.

Someone is envious, aren't they? You don't look like a tit. Sounds as if you're doing a good job. I'd be telling Ashley that the CEO is happy with things as they are. Then carry on as usual with your head held high.

If anyone looks like a tit I'd say it's your boss as you said that's why you were having the call. Are you sure it isn't just miscommunication.

the CEO and other SMT members have said that they aren’t happy with the content of the CEO’s column

Boss then said they all wanted me to ‘interview’ the CEO

Hmm I wonder if this is actually coming from one of the other SMT members rather than the CEO, hence wires getting crossed.

(And you don't look like a tit at all, I wouldn't worry about that!)

"Ashley. Had a call with CEO this morning as you advised re column. Ceo asked why we were having the meeting, I said you had said they weren't happy and asked for change. He was unaware of this, so wanted to give you a heads up in case you're asked.

Will return to original method unless you still wish to proceed with the new way"

Ashley looks like the tit, not you. I wouldn't worry - just say to Ashley there must've been a mix up as CEO is perfectly happy and was puzzled when I mentioned you said he required more input.

I'd be fucking fuming over this.

Tell Ashley that the CEO expressed some confusion over the new process and he is more than happy with the original format. Perhaps Ashley would like to discuss this with the CEO, as there has obviously been some miscommunication, and you would like to be copied into that conversation. You look forward to an update.

This. No need to cause a fuss, and confirms that CEO is happy and nothing needs to change, whilst also showing CEO this hasn’t come from you (although you really didn’t look like a tit in front of him so I wouldn’t worry about that!)

"Ashley, I've just had the CEO on a Zoom call, as you requested. He became increasingly exasperated at my questions and asked why I was doing it. I told him you had asked me to do it. He said he was very happy with my work and to stop wasting his time."

No need to be downhearted OP - you’re in control here! I’d delight in a situation like this.

’CEO did not ask for any changes and does not want any. We will be reverting to the previous method. Any issues please ask CEO.’

Ooh he's told porkies. I would assume he's done that because if he said 'the SMT', you sound like a conscientious sort and would probably go 'okay, let me check with CEO what he thinks/if he wants any changes first' - it sort of sounds like he doesn't want the CEO to know they don't like it?

Your boss has decided to make themselves seem important and throw their weight around. Do as @IgoogledYOLO or @ginasevern suggests.

Try and pin your boss down and get them to pin point the exact issues the CEO had with your column, exactly what they said, when they said them, and if there’s any supporting email chain. It puts them in a position of either sounding like they have no idea, or having to create fake conversations. Also ask them over an email so that you have your questions clearly documented. Act like you are anxious to get to the bottom of everything because you take your job seriously

You are not the one who looks like a tit, believe me.

I would explain to your boss what happened and let them squirm.

I second this. I'd be seriously annoyed with Ashley.

Now you know to confirm things via email after meetings.
follow up with, further to our conversation earlier, I would like to confirm these are your agreed next steps.
please confirm your understanding and I will go ahead with the next steps.

if they don’t say anything then you know it’s potential BS