To think she's being mean

[icuthere]

I can't work out if it's constructive criticism or just meanness.

I'm new at my job- I had a slight career change so I'm basically a beginner. Where I work is quite complex compared to elsewhere in the industry so obviously I have a lot to learn and remember.

One of the managers talks to me in quite a condescending way but I've tried to let it wash over me. I see her looking at me quite a lot with a bitchy look but idk if she just has resting bitch face? I try to give her the benefit of the doubt.

But the other day she made a comment saying I had to do something 'so many times and usually they wouldn't do it so many'. I did it twice- surely that's standard she also emails me and cc's in other bosses, to point out mistakes and says 'we discussed x' as if i wasn't acting on instructions. I pointed out we didn't exactly discuss x and I was never explicitly told how to do it by anyone.

Thing is, she will have a say on whether I am kept on or not, and I'm willing to bet she will speak against me. I have recently found out she tried to get a job at my previous company and few years ago and wasn't hired. Could this be why? If so, it's hardly my fault.

Bump

She sounds like she is trying to record examples of your incompetence. Record your responses to these emails. You don't have to actually reply. You could just note somewhere every time she says you needed to be shown something over and over when you only needed shown 2 or 3 times etc. Note when she says you discussed X when you didn't. Then you have a record if anything ever comes of it. If she only does it a few times and doesn't take it any further I would leave it. If she keeps it up I would speak to someone, her line manager or HR, about the situation and how you feel she is always trying to undermine and misrepresent you. It is a form of bullying.

I instantly dislike people who cc every man and dog into an email when it could quite easily be kept between the relevant parties. I have had co consultants do similar when pointing out errors with work. A little (not so subtle) dig. So I can see why you might be taking it as personal but some people are just incredibly petty in the professional world.

Is this person your direct line manager? If not perhaps go around them and without dropping this person in it and properly gain an enemy, perhaps directly ask for advice and simply ask for clarification on certain points and say that you have been made aware of a few inaccuracies and you want I make sure you get it right next time.

The direct manager will like that you are accountable for your actions and can accept if something is wrong but also that you have taken the initiative to learn how to do it better / quicker. You will also earn some points with other managers without dropping this person in it which could be helpful come review time.

If things persist I would make sure you have everything in writing so if the need arises you have back up of any communications between the two of you. If they ask you something verbally, follow it up in an email asking them to confirm what thy have have asked you to do, when you need to do it by etc.