Hi.
I lead a high profile project and have been asked to present at a directors meeting. I am relatively new to the company, and one of the main reasons I took the role was to work with my current manager. I respect him hugely. I’ve told him as such - that one of reasons took the job was to work with him a few months ago. Anyway. Late last night he messaged me feedback on next steps for presentation this initial update he said do not side channel him or go direct to directors which threw me a bit. As I haven’t ever. It was late and I know he’s been working late recently, so do wonder if he’s exhausted / stressed, in my reply I said I wouldn’t do that. His response threw me a second loop - he said I’m not precious nor unobservant, and continued on talking about work we need to do. I decided not to respond directly to this comment as was late (10pm), and think on it. I’m racking my brains to think of what I have done that could lead him to that impression - he’s very astute. I used to have the same job albeit in a different company but wanted to work on this project and not be a dept head for a while to get better life/ work balance. I have zero interest in climbing the corporate tree and I respect him immensely - his direction is excellent and I am upset he thinks I’m going over his head - so this has made me reflect on how he is getting this impression. I have very little to do with directors and don’t message or email them directly - when he asks me to gain their feedback they sometimes message me back directly. I presented at a director meeting recently and thanked them for their positive feedback - but all this aside I have no direct Comms with them. I have enough yo get on with as well on project. I’ll talk to my manager about this at some point but our priority now is delivering a good presentation, but it’s playing on my mind. I’d like thoughts on how to read this and advice on how to approach with manager sensitively.