Recently, my direct manager left. It's been a blessed relief, no-one chasing me for stuff that I've already done and returned etc. The main boss is now managing me and has basically told me he trusts my judgement, I do an amazing job and how 'outstanding' the department I manage is. He also says that now he's spent time with me, he's changed his opinion of me (we've spent several hours together interviewing new people, having meetings etc). He's quite new so hasn't seen much of me til now.
He spoke to someone I manage and expressed his surprise about how I wasn't a 'monster'. My colleague was surprised and told him how professional I am. Clearly, my outgoing manager has poured poison in his ear. There is nothing to be done, but I am so cross with the departed manager, but also to an extent with the main boss. I know a boss has to listen to his managers, but shouldn't he have bothered to sit down and get to know me rather than believing I was a 'monster'?! I feel like the outgoing bitch manager has done me a massive disservice for some years.