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

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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”?

I'd say something along those lines "popping [line manager's name] into Bcc... You must have included them accidentally.
Thanks for your suggestions which I will review blah blah blah..."

This way the said manager will see that you don't think she needs to be part of this conversation and move on with their day. And your colleague will get the message that she made a mistake without you looking too bossy. She does seem like she can contribute good ideas, just doesn't understand the dynamics and how you all communicate.

I would assume she doesn’t trust you and either expects you to take credit for her ideas, or cover them up and not implement them. Either way she’s covering her own back. It could be because a previous manager has done the dirty on her like this, or maybe it’s something you did in the past?

I’m a senior manager, and this would irk me. It’s called a ‘line’ of management for a reason, and I don’t need to know about a rookie trying to impress unless she’s in my direct line. I’ve had this sort of behaviour before and see it as and divisive in the work place.

There are many opportunities to shine and many opportunities to bring forward ideas copying the recipients line manager is not one that I’d personally be pleased with.

I had an employee from a different department do this a while back. I just replied all asking why he had copied me in, and if it was a mistake. He replied it was a mistake and I haven’t been copied in since. It absolutely wasn’t a mistake, and now everyone on that email knows I won’t facilitate one up man ship.

If I were you OP and your line manager does not handle it, I’d simply ask the person why she cc’d you’d line manager in. I’d also ask her to bring her suggestions in the meeting next time or at the very least in note form. If everyone in the team sent you an amended version it would be very difficult to collate the info needed. She sounds like a cretin.

Or you could reply to all and direct a comment at your manager saying “I think you’ve been copied into this in error - there’s no action required from you so do ignore”?

If you're middle management and have been at the company for a while I'm surprised you need to consult Mumsnet to answer this for you. No big deal imho, and how you respond to it depends very much on the culture in your organisation and the individuals involved, which we can't know.

Oh they definitely intended it and wanted to show your line manager they can do your job better than you! Out of order even if they’re right, and you should call it out.

@mynameiscalypso

Do people really get wound up by stuff like this? I also hold a senior management position and wouldn't even give this a moment's thought. I would assume that it's someone new in role trying to impress senior stakeholders (even though in my experience the senior stakeholder is unlikely to read it).

But surely you can comprehend that not everyone thinks or feels like you do.

OP, I would have a quiet word so it doesn't become a habit. As some have said, it could be a thing they did at her previous office. Does sound a bit off though that she didn't contribute t the time AND then cc'd your manager.

I wouldn't have even given this head space. If more senior manager has a problem let them reply. It so does not matter that they cc senior management

How did you handle it OP?