Hi. People Manager here. I've been one for 12 years now and I encourage my team to not be "yes" people. At this time, it feels like my manager wants me and my team to be yes people for her. How do I deal with this? I've never been a yes person and I don't preach this to my reports. I don't know what to do. Help?

Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

What does your manager say to your philosophy?

She's known, but really has never said anything. I just know that she wants yes people and that's just not me and I don't want my reports to be yes people either.

Depending on their personality they may just need to hear yes to their request straight away. Once out of that situation if you come back to them and say something along the lines of “I’ve been working on your request and a few items come up, in regards to X Y Z and impact 123… my suggestion to is ….” This way your boss feels they have initial direction and you are now including them in the solution and having your say. Works well with the driver type personality.

Related Posts

It irks me when someone says I have a "lovely voice," it just makes me feel super uncomfortable and unsure what I should say to them

like

Please do not show to client before Partner review!

Post Photo
likefunny

This is twice now in back to back weeks my boss has asked me where the disconnect was in our communications because I didn’t deliver on what “was asked”, even though I know damn well what was asked and what was done were the same thing. I’m not sure if he’s changing the meaning or isn’t communicating what he’s envisioning or what but it’s embarrassing to be called out like that, and to have people think you’re the dumb 23 year old.

likefunny

I’m sure ACB knows the difference between textualism and originalism so why does she keep referring to them as if they’re the same thing?

like

How do you deal with clients who act like they know more than you even though they don't?

like

Going to MDRT for the first time next month. Any advice on how to pack? What is the dress code like? It’s in Miami.

like

Hello. What's is type of shoes do you wear to work
Flats, heels or sneakers?

like

Is it just me or do your white corporate colleagues act almost scared of you and unsure how to interact? I’m a medium sized woman, polite, introverted. Makes no sense

like

Am I the only social worker/therapist who doesn’t work well with being assigned to do last minute paperwork? I’m a very organized person, both personally and professionally and this has been challenging for me in a professional setting. How would you present this to your supervisor who continues to not understand? Any feedback is appreciated 😊

like

Is it a nice idea to be close to your employees?

like

Just got let go and my manager said part of it was because I was looking for other jobs. I didn't look for other jobs at work, so I'm not sure how they could have known that unless a coworker snitched on me. Is it worth it to try and find out who or should I just leave it? Can't deny that I'm seriously pissed off about it.

like

How does one go about resignation in the remote setting?

Should i email my boss then follow up with a call? Or the other way around?

The "confrontation" is really difficult for me lol. I actually like my current boss and she's been helpful and made me feel like she looks out for me too. But the new opportunity is too good to pass up on (huge increase to pay. No concerns on the team since ive worked with those people in the past in a different company)

like

I’m a firm believer that a manager should develop a positive relationship with employees, but I don’t want that to be an invitation to disrespect my authority. How do you know where to draw the line to make this distinction clear?

like

How bad is it for a junior to push back against a completely psychotic mid level? I don’t know how this mid level hasn’t been fired because they are even rude and bossy to partners and are a nightmare for juniors. I’ve decided enough is enough and am now pushing back against their arbitrary deadlines and other insane and unnecessary asks. I rarely work with this person and have good reviews. Am I asking for trouble?

like

I've worked with the client for over 7 months now and he still calls me by my dad's name
What do I do 😭😂

like

Hello fishes, is it a red flag when I'm the ONLY one on my team who's happy with the management, meaning my boss and my boss's boss? Other than the two bosses, we have 6.

like

I’m new to the firm. My third project my manager was very hands off. He’s wants to have a discussion with me about my performance. He did not give me any support to work with; even when I asked! And my direct manager agrees with him, but it was my third week. What to do? I feel like I’m going to say something crazy. Any advice?

Hello! This is a long story, so I’ll try to keep it brief. I work for a very small supplement company - it’s myself (marketing/acct mgmt) my coworker (sales), and the owner. My coworker is struggling to complete his tasks/meet his goals, and the owner is coming to me about angry clients. I’m afraid my coworkers inability to complete his duties is somehow being reflected onto me? What’s the most tactful way to have a conversation, either with him or the owner? Can provide further detail if needed

like

How can I get my *micro* manager off my back? I know I haven’t been doing the best work this quarter, but emailing me all damn day isn’t going to help me do better, I do know that.

like

My project team is always distracted by my looks. I really want them to stay focus and deliver the project as expected by stakeholders. They always trying to complement me instead of keeping it business.

likefunnyuplifting

More Posts

I got an offer for advisory. What is the difference between advisory and audit?

like

Praying no one brings up the election in our team meeting today.

like

Had anyone stopped taking Xanax? Any tips? I have been taking 0.5 mg of Xanax every night for the past 2 weeks as my anxiety keeps me from sleeping. Unfortunately, I faced a side effect of constipation last few days, so I didn't take it last night, with hopes of weaning off of it. I didn't sleep well last night, and I'm super anxious/jittery today. A little dazed off too.

like

Hi guys... any idea how long
IBM takes to release offer letter after tells you to fill forms for the offer??
My HR told me he ll give in 2 days. Yet to hear from him though after 2 days.

like

Not sure about that socky part up top

What's the future with Adobe Coldfusion.

like

Any recommendations on women’s watch (or mens watch with <36mm case size)? Style can be any as long as it’s automatic with a clear case back. Budget is ~$5000-$7000. TIA!

like

Hi all,

If people are getting fired from companies only.because they are on bench for more than 3 months, is it wise approach to switch with higher salary now?

Please list companies who are firing people or asking them to resign so that we get a fair idea of which company to join?

Share thoughts pls 🙏

like

For those starting school this fall, how early is too early to start stressing about what you want to recruit for? Am a sponsored consultant but don’t think I want to go back 😬

like

I'm curious to know how many (and which) tech companies have resumed physical onsite interviews in their offices?

like

Anyone been praying for something (or someone) for a long time (weeks, months, yrs) and it seems like nothing is happening/changing? I have and feeling really discouraged about it today. Anyone else?

like

What should be an average decent pay range these days (post pandemic) in India, for a 12-15 years experienced tech person in a stable and reputed MNC not startup? Please share your valuable inputs to all mid level employees.

like

Putting in my two weeks with no job lined up to spend some time with my family and volunteering. Anyone have experience with a gap in employment? Will this ruin my chances of getting a “good” job by January? Have I gone completely insane?

like

Hmm... our clients just paused ads on Teen Vogue due to homophobic tweets by the outlet's new editor-in-chief, Alexi McCammond.

like

Can anyone guide me how to get a good SAP SD project as i joined newly i have as asked to into a famous phone project.. but i know i it works so i didn't get into that so they asked to get into a testing project... Apart from this how can I get a support project in Wipro.. your inputs will be very helpful.. TIA...

like

Agency Idea: The Ginger Group. Redheads only. You should see our Diversity and Inclusion page!

likefunny

Took Diclegis today based on the group recommendations and just want to stop by really quick and give a big shout out to the angel who recommended it. I was literally living a death situation with the nausea today and that really picked me up and made me feel human again. Thanks

likeuplifting

Hi can anyone refer me in amdocs for job id:167165 for java developer?

like

Hi fishes ,I am supposed to join tomorrow Amdocs, what documents they ask for BGV check ?

Any west coast lesbians 29-38 want to chat?

Additional Posts in People Managers

I have a direct report who is smart, passionate about her job and can be really innovative. However she carries this enormous weight of responsibility, for needing to do everything, do it right, make sure it's perfect, not trusting colleagues to help. It creates dread and panic and overwhelming workload and a terrible attitude for her and I am speaking with her this week to start to shift her mindset. Any tips in navigating how to let go of this heavy idea of "responsibility"?

likehelpful

What was your salary as a first time manager (and where were you based)?

like

Any books suggestions?

like

Newer manager here (18 moths). Recent org announcements and hiring holds have put major stress on my team. Some are hyper focused on all the bad, how do I get buy-in that this is temporary and we still have a job to do? I feel it’s more important than ever to show value vs being task takers.

like

Looking to apply for a manager role in my CS team. Any tips for the interview?

4 years of CS experience, no management experience

Whats your biggest challenge as a manager?

What do you enjoy most?

How do you manage your friends/people who used to be in your team?

Any interview tips appreciated! Last time failed the interview cause did not show a proper action plan. Find it tough as I do not know what challenges my manager has

like

Anyone have suggestions on a team building exercise or consultant/coaching to build/improve energy. I feel 2020 was such a big drain on everyone’s energy and spirit just looking for ways to start the year out on a more positive note. TIA

like

Does anyone else just not even want to be a people manager anymore?! The amount of work this is taking, I’m just so over it. In addition to them piling on my work (which is a full time job) the people management stuff is just as much a full time job that no one in management seems to take into account. I have tried countless times to explain this but I end up burnt out, everyone suffers including me. I just left one role bc of it and now this new role, same thing. I’m over it.

like

Looking for info about the engineering culture at Netflix from the perspective of someone who identifies as a woman or non-binary person and is also a person of color. Do you feel safe and included? Would also love some input from someone in a leadership position, do you feel supported as a leader?

like

What is your toughest challenge hiring someone in their early 20’s?
For lots of different reasons I get the impression that younger people aren’t equipped for the employer, employee relationship.

like

I have issues “delegating” or simply assigning tasks, which as a Manager is a whole thing. Like I feel “bad” asking my people to do things that i know i can do but shouldn’t because it’s not up to me. When I assign a task i try to be super clear with instructions, give examples, help them get started…but I still feel bad. Idk. Anyone goes through this?

like

Hi! Any career coaches who offer a full support throughout job search?

-Experience: 8 years of project/program management and/or communication
-Companies of interest: Google, Microsoft, Facebook
-Location: Washington DC or VA

For the past 25+ years, I've been a devops engineer, cloud architect and team lead on many projects. I would like to make a career move into IT Management (i.e. DevOps Manager, Director of Cloud Ops, etc.). When it comes to skills needed, what should my focus be on and how would that translate onto a resume? I would love to still be hands-on to utilize my tech knowledge.

like

You're a new manager with direct reports. One of your directs is very determined. You consider yourself a good manager so you want to help them grow. They are killing it and taking on an enormous of workload, and executing flawlessly. Do you let them continue killing it? Ask how they're doing? Or warn/advise them on how to avoid burnout?

like

It feels very telling that there are so few people in this group. Any thoughts on that? It feels like the vast majority of people managers only want the title and don’t want to worry about their people.

likesmart

I got into Management a year ago and now I miss developing. How do software engineers turned managers feel about their switch over to people management?

A report opened to me that they are having money problems and wants a raise. We are remote and they moved to a high CoL city. We gave an increase to help with retention 6mths ago. In my response, I helped mentor with best practices on how to ask for a raise professionally since I need to make a case to my Head on finances. But their performance has been avg and not seemingly worthy of another large raise within a short period of time. But how do I respond when they talk about personal finances?

like

I’m a manager and one of my direct reports makes more than me. It really bothers me. Anyone else been in this situation before? What’s the best way to handle it?

like

One of my top talents just put in his two weeks notice and I had nothing to offer him to stay. I told upper management this was going to happen! I’ve spent months asking for a promotion for him, trying to push his career forward and got no traction. I know i did my best. He knows i tried. I still believe i work at a good place but i feel like we’re losing focus. I feel my boss is leaving soon. It’s a mess.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal