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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to speak to junior colleague about her use of CC?

160 replies

ContactTraced · 09/12/2021 22:55

I hold a senior management position at my workplace. Today in a meeting, I shared some documentation I’d been working on for consultation with middle management. I asked them to make comments and suggestions, which may or may not be implemented (but I promised I’d explain why if I chose not to implement a suggestion)

After the meeting a colleague who is 5 months into their first middle management role asked if they could send me their suggested edits on a copy of the document rather than making comments as they found this easier. I had no problem with this.

Tonight they have emailed me their version; attached to an email saying they have made this change and that change and have cc’d in my line manager.

AIBU to have a quiet and gentle word with them tomorrow and say something like “I know you didn’t mean it, but you’re email came across as if you think you know better and there was no need to CC in (line manager) as it gives an impression I don’t think you intended.”

If it’s worth anything, some of her changes I would be happy to implement; but some go against company policy and some I just, based on my experience in the industry, don’t agree with.

I don’t want to come across as not being able to take criticism; but at the same time her response had left me a bit “WTF”?

OP posts:
Skysblue · 09/12/2021 23:22

I used to work with a control freak who wanted to be cc’d into EVERYTHING. She probably just wasn’t sure. Or perhaps she’s had bad experiences with colleagues taking credit for her work.

Either way, the email came from her, it’s up to her who she copies in. If you think she’s embarrassing herself then have a quiet friendly word exainging that X doesn’t work want to be cc’d into this kind of stuff.

NovemberNovemberDarkNights · 09/12/2021 23:23

I'd ask her what she was playing at. I'd remind her she was offered to give feedback if she wished, not take the documentation to my line manager.

CF

RosieGuacamosie · 09/12/2021 23:25

Is your line manager an exec? If so I doubt they’ll read it. The exec above me gets cc’d into stuff pretty often and I don’t take it personally.

KeepApart · 09/12/2021 23:27

Honestly I think it does sound like you can't criticism. If you say that to her it most definitely sounds like you are pissed off she has edited your work

You asked for her to make comments. She qsked if she could make changes are, you said yes so she made some changes. She probably just CCed in your line manager because she thought it was relevent

Foolsrule · 09/12/2021 23:29

Sounds like you’re feeling threatened, OP. Maybe she was trying to be helpful. Maybe this was the norm at her old place of work. It’s no big deal and it’s good she wants to contribute and share her ideas. Maybe she didn’t think you’d give her credit for them. Maybe the senior manager asked to be copied in! Who knows? Either way, nothing to get het up about. She might be guilty of a bit of glory hunting, but that’s just the modern way. One look at LinkedIn and all the boasting that goes on there can tell you that.

LightSpeeds · 09/12/2021 23:30

... some of her changes I would be happy to implement; but some go against company policy and some I just, based on my experience in the industry, don’t agree with.

I'm not sure you can easily say 'don't cc the line manager' as, really, anyone in theory can cc anyone at work in an email (and, if not, someone will let her know).

I also think she's probably trying to impress the manager on the back of an email to you, so I can see why you'd be a bit miffed.

Why don't you respond to her email with your above points: tell her what points are good, which go against company policy and which you don't agree with and why (if you can get in some really convincing arguments, that might deter her from cc'ing anyone else her ideas).

SimpsonsXmasBoogie · 09/12/2021 23:32

If she's fairly new then it could be a company culture thing.

I would think absolutely nothing of this and assume that manager wouldn't even open the email. Clearly this is not the case at your company.

I agree with the PP who recommended just replying with an explanation as to why she doesn't need to do this in future. If it happens again after that, you know there is more to it.

HunterGatherer · 09/12/2021 23:34

Well its back fired on her hasn't it!
If her ideas are as bad as you think, the senior manager will be able to work out for themselves that at best she is a bit clueless and possibly manipulative as well.

Starcup · 09/12/2021 23:36

Sounds like one of these that would sell her granny to climb the career ladder.

It’s totally like she’s trying to impress senior managers 🤣

Cavagirl · 09/12/2021 23:37

I'd leave it to your line manger to reply saying - why TF have you cced me into this?

If you have a good relationship with your line manager I'd struggle to get too worked up about it tbh. I don't think there's a way you can tackle it directly without looking defensive. She'll feel a right muppet if your line tells her to stop ccing him/her into unnecessary emails tho.

QuestionNumberOne · 09/12/2021 23:37

I’d reply: thank you for your notes. It was inappropriate of you to CC my line manager in - do not do so again unless essential.

LolaButt · 09/12/2021 23:39

@TwinklyBranch

Also, I would only copy in someone's line manager if they are being a complete dick. Just saying.
But that is dickish behaviour which others around you will note.

If you speak to someone and think that they’re being a twat and want their manager to know, then email the manager directly with feedback.

When you cc in someone’s manager it makes you look like a snide snake on a power trip.

PutYourBackIntoit · 09/12/2021 23:39

Can't you just reply 'Thanks! You are the first of the middle managers to review this paper, and it is appreciated. When I collate all the reviews, I'll share my feedback (for your development?)'

ZenNudist · 09/12/2021 23:42

Why don't you reply all addressing line manager (let's call her jenny). "Jenny, not sure why you are ccd but you don't need to look at this [yet]. I told Newbie she could send me her edits on the document rather than separate comments. I will review and then if you need to see it will forward updated version "

godmum56 · 09/12/2021 23:43

I think the point to make is that stuff should only go up a level when its ready and when all the contributors have sent in their stuff. At that point, the collator (you OP) sieves out the stuff that is against policy, not wanted, won't be accepted and so on. The collator then tidies up the draft, labels it as per the company system (draft title, draft edition, date etcetera, appends a list of contributors and passes it on to the next part of the process. From experience, it is very easy for such collaborative work to end up as a hot mess or several hot messes, if the review and comment process is not followed properly....its not a going over your head thing, its a sticking to the process thing.

KeyErro · 09/12/2021 23:45

Are yo

Feelingoktoday · 09/12/2021 23:46

Ignore. It’s a young person trying to make an impression. Work life is hard enough as it is without getting irritated because someone used cc and edited a report. Perhaps that’s how they did it in her previous job. They will soon learn.

KeyErro · 09/12/2021 23:47

Are you certain they weren't asked to cc your manager?
You'd look very foolish if so, and if they're just being ambitious/petty you don't gain anything by calling it out.

KerryWeaver · 09/12/2021 23:47

Hi X

Thanks for your suggestions.

Going forward, could you use notes rather than editing the document as some of the edits you made are contrary to company policy. I am more than happy to show you how to use these if you are having difficultly.

There is no need to widely circulate your edited draft version. It is my responsibility to share the final doc when it is ready.

Grumpasaurus · 09/12/2021 23:48

@ContactTraced - how long have you been in senior management? I only ask as this seems a bit of a non-issue and I'm surprised you're struggling with how to respond?

I presume from what you have described you are collecting and then collating feedback to produce a final document, which might then go up the chain for further review or implementation?

I would just say:

Hi (middle manager), thank you for comments and contributions, and for a quick response. I'll send out a final version once I've received all management feedback and had a chance to consider all input.

(Big manager), no need to review at this point- will be in touch shortly once we're ready for (whatever next step is).

Whitefire · 09/12/2021 23:52

@SimpsonsXmasBoogie

If she's fairly new then it could be a company culture thing.

I would think absolutely nothing of this and assume that manager wouldn't even open the email. Clearly this is not the case at your company.

I agree with the PP who recommended just replying with an explanation as to why she doesn't need to do this in future. If it happens again after that, you know there is more to it.

Quite, just a quiet word in the first instance. No need to be thinking about "CF'ers selling their grannies" just yet.

I sometimes cc someone's manager in, I've been asked a question, and it is to run the answer past the manager as well preparation of subject of email complaining working with the public is just ace

Squizzley · 09/12/2021 23:54

@TwinklyBranch

I would just ignore it and not even mention it. If your line manager thinks it's inappropriate/unnecessary, let them say something.
Exactly, I would ignore it.
Squizzley · 09/12/2021 23:54

The drama…

Faithtrusts · 09/12/2021 23:57

@Grumpasaurus I think this is a perfect response personally

I feel it maintains both relationships and puts OP back in control.

The majority of the other reprimanding responses I feel could just serve to have you come across negatively

GrumpyTerrier · 10/12/2021 00:00

I've phrased this as 'no need to cc manager unless it directly involves them- save their very busy inbox! If there is something we need them for I will go to them"

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