Line manager reaction to positive feedback from exec director

[Metabigot]

Recently started a new role after an internal move, and after 2 weeks in the job got an absolutely glowing email from an executive director I was doing some work with to the director of my department saying what a good job I'd done etc.

My line manager passed it to me on email and although she said well done, she said be sure to keep everyone informed if dealing with him in future. Then I had my one to one the next day and I thought she'd mention it but she didn't, she was actually really frosty with me and I felt like she wanted to cut the meeting short.

I wasn't expecting a gold medal , but I thought she'd at least mention it in my 1:1 before it occured to me that she may feel jealous/threatened. I've said I'll keep her updated if he comes to me for anything not sure what else I can do.

Do you think she feels threatened? How should I play it? I'm really pissed off that she reacted like this as until then I thought she was a good 'un.

It depends on your company protocols.. I work in the NHS and for governance our exec directors have to liaise directly with our NEDs and governors.. There is one particular NED that thinks I'm excellent but I'm very careful with my communication to them and always copy in my Exec.. I'm sure she doesn't feel threatened, she may just like to be in the loop with things and her not knowing makes her look silly..
It's largely dependent on what the governance of your organisation is.

She might be jealous, you might have put her in an awkward spot if you've been going directly to the exec when it's not protocol. Like a PP we have certain chains of command and its not good to go through them (not because someone lower down is incapable, but actually the power imbalance the other way is probably more of an issue). Personally I'd get on with my work and take the email on board myself.

It really bugs me that line managers can’t see the talent in front of their noses and see them ie you as an asset rather than a threat.
If you’re able I would take your manager for an informal coffee/tea, assuming you’re in the office and chat about how your feel. Explain that you’re sorry you may have broken protocol and ask how they want to be engaged with in future. Maybe come to some compromises. Best of luck x

Why are you jumping to jealousy?

Its very odd for someone to not let their line manager, what they are working on. Especially, with a senior member of staff.

I imagine, it looks like you didn't tell her for a reason.

It could also make her look bad that a new member of staff was working on soemghinf she had no clue about.

Its the done thing to let your manager into the loop.

My initial thought would be not that your line manager is jealous, but that there's some territorial shit going on between that exec director and other managers in the organisation that you've either not been told about, or haven't encountered for yourself yet.

It does depend on the size of your organisation but I did find (when I was working in office-y jobs) that there was often an element of extremely careful 'CEO/director upward managing' that went on because of said CEO/director's tendency to either ignore lines of report or otherwise do mad things. This was often a specific issue in entrepreneurial or founder-led businesses.

The politics with NEDs are hugely fraught - you need to keep your boss informed about everything. You have no idea what land mines you might be stumbling on to

Oh, apologies, just seen it’s an exec director, not a NED. Not quite as political, but your boss should still know what you’re doing

Was your line manager unaware you were doing the work?

No she knew full well about the work. It wasn't a secret and I kept her fully informed throughout

she said be sure to keep everyone informed if dealing with him in future.

So who didn't know?

@Darkpheonix

she said be sure to keep everyone informed if dealing with him in future.

So who didn't know?

Everyone knew. That's why it doesn't make sense. At no time have I gone behind her back here. But someone somewhere is worried I'm going to be getting him coming directly to me now as he rates me. I think.

I would ignore it and put it down to jealousy. Well done on doing well.
Of course tell her if he comes to you again but she can hardly stop him!
Don’t let it bother you

And you didn't point out that everyone knew?

I still think jumping to jealousy or feeling threatened isn't helpful. And it appears there's some crossed wires somewhere.

I genuinely don't get why women assume other women are jealous or threatened by them, if interactik s are anything but extremely positive.

There could be tons of reasons. He could be known for taking advantage (professionally) of new hires and getting them to do things he should be doing. He could be a dick. They could have professional history. After 2 weeks, you have no idea about all the nuance that could be involved.

Personally, I would just watch how it goes. Keep doing the great work that you are, flow protocol. Maybe double check who she thinks you left out and clear that up.

Well seeing as I business partner his directorate I can't really avoid him. I think my predecessor worked more with his deputy than him though.

It's just a shame she tried to rain on my parade but the feedback made me so chuffed I actually printed it out and put it on my wall.

( I wfh.. obviously wouldn't do that in an office)

You’ve only been there two weeks. There could be all sorts of things going on that you’re not aware of. Perhaps he’s predatory with new female staff. Hopefully not, but your assumption that your line manager is jealous could be just as fanciful.

Watch and listen and don’t make hasty judgments.

I wouldn't jump to jealousy straight away, you've been there two weeks. Perhaps she just has instilled protocols that she felt you may not have followed. She could've been a total cow and not forwarded the email at all if she was that jealous.