Was this a bit rude of my boss?

[rudebosspotentially]

I recently started a new job and have been really going the extra mile (staying up late to complete projects, being there for my boss at all hours). The work is pretty chaotic but I just took it in my stride and really hit the ground running, and have have some massive wins since I first started.

We recently had a big departmental awards thing and there was a people's choice award for "new rising star". My boss was leading the committee and had some influence over the final winners. She kept saying that people were nominating me and it could be me. I tried not to get my hopes up but I've been working so hard and working with so many stakeholders across the business, I had a feeling it could be me.

It ultimately went to a colleague on another team. That was fine.

But then my colleague posted about her award on LinkedIn.

And my boss commented "Nobody deserved that award more than you"

My heart just sunk. Is it just me or was my boss a bit insensitive?

To me a massive part of being a “good employee” is setting a sensible example to others by not working yourself into the ground, and going above and beyond. In my mind the best employees don’t instigate or take part in the impossible to win arms race of trying to work the hardest.

If I worked somewhere that had a system for nominating colleagues I thought were setting a good example I’d actively avoid voting for someone who was working massively over their hours and attempting to outperform colleagues in this way.

I don't understand this. Your boss could think you are great. But believe this person deserved it more. In the circumstances.

This comment was entirely about the other person and not about you at all.

Don't make positive comments about other people to be a negative reflection on you.

But also don't kill yourself for work. Be always available rarely helps people progress. It becomes expected of you.

The fact you were in the running is positive. The winner may be in a bigger team so had the opportunity for more votes, perhaps had other issues going on and ploughed through, who knows? I've had similar experiences, felt gutted, accepted there could be much more to it, then shrugged it off. Big girl pants needed, your worth will still be valued, you don't need an award to have it proven. Xx