I’d be more annoyed that the partner is such a chump. Nothing annoys me more than a partner (or whoever is in charge) pointing the finger at junior people.
Agree with everyone saying this is bad management by both the partner and the mid level. No one should be pointing fingers internally on a client call. It’s the team’s fault if it’s not the product the client wanted.
Re the partner, I would just do the update/add your detail back in, and send it to him/her, maybe with a quick note in the email explaining this was your original approach, but that you had been asked to prepare a more bare-bones version as well for ease of client reference. You don’t need to say anything more about it. If the partner dwells on it, that’s his/her toxicity and not your problem.
Re the mid level, I would just ask if he/she has a few minutes to chat and be honest how it made you feel. It’s important that juniors give mid levels/seniors feedback like this or nothing will ever change. Just keep it cool and casual and frame it like, “I could tell the partner was upset. How can we work together to avoid this in the future?”
I’d be angry too. When you’re less upset, maybe ask the midlevel why they gave that instruction and try to resolve from there. Could also perhaps send a new draft with something about how you “added some details back in,” though that might start some unrest.
Your career is short so far. This will happen many times most likely. If you can always copy the partner or senior associate on your initial email to mid level. In this case when you send next turn to mid level for review note that you included detail as the partner wanted just to reiterate that they messed up.
It's everyone's fault but yours. As a mid-level myself who recently asked a junior to cut down on detail in a checklist/punchlist, I gave specific examples of how to do it, what to keep and what to cut. It sounds like this mid-level wanted you to read their mind on what they meant and didn't review your work. They're likely busy and don't want to review, but that's part of being a mid level and building a positive culture of learning. The partner is just an ass for embarrassing you. If you can't avoid working with them in the future I would look at other firms with better group culture.
Subject Expert
I’d be more annoyed that the partner is such a chump. Nothing annoys me more than a partner (or whoever is in charge) pointing the finger at junior people.
Coach
This. I’ve never had a partner criticize me in front of a client
Agree with everyone saying this is bad management by both the partner and the mid level. No one should be pointing fingers internally on a client call. It’s the team’s fault if it’s not the product the client wanted.
Re the partner, I would just do the update/add your detail back in, and send it to him/her, maybe with a quick note in the email explaining this was your original approach, but that you had been asked to prepare a more bare-bones version as well for ease of client reference. You don’t need to say anything more about it. If the partner dwells on it, that’s his/her toxicity and not your problem.
Re the mid level, I would just ask if he/she has a few minutes to chat and be honest how it made you feel. It’s important that juniors give mid levels/seniors feedback like this or nothing will ever change. Just keep it cool and casual and frame it like, “I could tell the partner was upset. How can we work together to avoid this in the future?”
Agree with SA1. If I’m making a junior’s life miserable, I want to know about it.
Enthusiast
I’d be angry too. When you’re less upset, maybe ask the midlevel why they gave that instruction and try to resolve from there. Could also perhaps send a new draft with something about how you “added some details back in,” though that might start some unrest.
Your career is short so far. This will happen many times most likely. If you can always copy the partner or senior associate on your initial email to mid level. In this case when you send next turn to mid level for review note that you included detail as the partner wanted just to reiterate that they messed up.
Enthusiast
I would not throw midlevel under the bus. Satisfying in the moment, but you’ll pay later.
It's everyone's fault but yours. As a mid-level myself who recently asked a junior to cut down on detail in a checklist/punchlist, I gave specific examples of how to do it, what to keep and what to cut. It sounds like this mid-level wanted you to read their mind on what they meant and didn't review your work. They're likely busy and don't want to review, but that's part of being a mid level and building a positive culture of learning. The partner is just an ass for embarrassing you. If you can't avoid working with them in the future I would look at other firms with better group culture.