Did I mess up by correcting my VP Publicly?
Last night, a VP requested me to complete a task urgently due for the next morning. I managed to get it done and submitted it the following morning after staying up until 4 am. However, he publicly reprimanded me, claiming I had forgotten to submit something else he had requested last night (literally was screaming at me infront of everyone). I showed him the original email to clarify that what he mentioned wasn't included in the initial request. I suggested that he specify his requirements clearly in the future to avoid any misunderstandings, but he dismissed my suggestion and insisted I just finish the task. Now, I'm worried that he might have a negative opinion of me, especially since another analyst mentioned I shouldn't have corrected him publicly. Given that he criticized me in front of everyone, I thought it was appropriate to respond at that moment. What should I do next? Am I in a bad position?
A few thoughts that could help you out:
I wouldn't worry a moment about him possibly having a worse impression of you; if anything, to me, this would show someone with a spine and their head well on their shoulders, able to be assertive in a constructive, result-oriented way.
So, no. No need to rethink this for a single second. Do the work, make sure you align expectations beforehand with this guy; he might be a bit impulsive or have a lot on his plate.
Agree to be assertive. A lot of these losers melt the moment you actually confront them - not in an argumentative way, but in a way that makes him uncomfortable and doesn't let him wiggle out by being the louder voice. Make him be specific and point to where he asked you to do this.
I remember a couple years ago a VP made an extremely racist joke to my face about my ethnicity (borderline KKK shit, not just being a bro) and I just asked him to explain why his joke was funny - was a way better way of handling it than being aggressive, which would have let him respond him kind. Instead he stumbled over his words trying to justify his words and eventually apologized.
Why is it that everytime someone on this website mentions that racism is a thing that can happen, they get MS for seemingly no reason?
because the stories are not credible and envision people behaving like cartoon characters. racism is generally far more subtle than that.
Sorry to hear that happened to you, sounds awful. Some of these people are truly psychotic.
How you handled that, of asking why it was funny, was a great way to call out the insulting joke, and to make a strong point; without someone (potentially) trying to criticize your reaction later on. Strong move, I like it.
Assuming you did it calmly and rationally, you did the right thing. Don’t let them walk over you, especially if it’s done in front of other people, and if it’s something that brings your attention to detail / work ethic into question.
Assuming it was a calm and basic explanation, and not pushing back with something insulting, it should be fine.
The issue was a factual mistake of something not being stated/written. Facts matter. You provided evidence of something, to clarify. In that case, he should have acknowledged that error.
I hate to be wrong, but I will always accept and admit when I am wrong.
Some people have an ego, and a fragile ego, and might not like it, unfortunately. They shouldn't be like that, but some are... and so there is always a chance that someone might be bitter/or might feel the burn. Some people struggle with admitting fault, and some people will never apologize for anything, even if they should.
I don't see an issue, as long as done in a calm and respectful way (not combative), pointing out the fact that it wasn't in the email, etc, and not insulting beyond that.
The only other option might be to ask for a moment after, and to explain privately. However, that leaves you appearing wrong in the eyes of others, without it being corrected, which isn't likely the best idea.
I don't see an issue.
In situations where they completely fuck you over and in the wrong I think pointing out facts is actually the best response.
They cannot use it against you because everyone will have known that they straight up lied and they know not to mess with you in the future.
Just don’t gloat about it and move on with the small victory.
Go for a beer with the VP/others after the deal sprint and you’ll be fine
The fact that he yelled at you publicly would be bad if he was right. Fact that he’s wrong makes it much worse, and fact that he apparently doesn’t apologize after being corrected is even worse still.
There’s no response from you in those circumstances that would be inappropriate. Even punching him in the face would be appropriate, it’s just something you can’t do in the moment because you need to keep your job.
Surprised another analyst thought you were aggressive. Under the circumstances, it’s hard for me to see how you’re even remotely aggressive there.
F- him, you did the right thing. He’ll be less likely to fuck with you next time. So many losers in this business, it’s amazing. If he was my VP, I’d have an immediate sit down with him in my office about his behavior and tell him to dial it back and be more efficient with his own tasks. Might he do some passive aggressive shit in 360 feedback yes, but that doesn’t mean shit if you are good and getting your work done. Now, if you consistently screw up tasks that’s another story but that doesn’t seem to be the case here.
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