I was on sick leave for 4 months and ever since i came back 2 months ago, I've noticed peers don't trust me.

Several people who have seen me as a professional, an expert - now second guess my advice and decisions and go to either my or to their own manager to double check.

Including my direct reports who were temporarily supported by other people leaders.

Any advice ?

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Follow the job doctor on tik tik or watch her recent videos. She just discussed this. The organization went on for 4 months without you and absorbed your work… you have to re earn at least some of your goodwill within the company and that takes time. I would give it the full amount of time you were gone before you get worried.

likehelpful

You didn’t choose to be sick, but it doesn’t change the fact that you were out of touch with work for 4 months. I don’t think anything changed drastically, but maybe what you see as second guessing is just their care for you. Maybe you’re making assumptions based on events/policies that aren’t relevant anymore and they are trying to make sure that your decision won’t backfire on you.

How was the handoff when you left? Was there any communication to your direct reports about your absence by either you or someone else explaining the sudden change for them?

There could be an uncertainty and lots of questions— though it’s none of their business, nonetheless if someone from a team just disappeared for 4 months with no explanations to our team I’d be confused.

The best you can do is show your commitment and dedication now that your back. There’s a delicate line of you don’t owe anyone an explanation but also people need to know what’s going on.

likehelpful

Thank you! My own manager was very protective of my wellbeing and kept everyone away, basically took over my people leader responsibilities and asked everyone not to contact me until doctor clears me. She's not a subject matter expert in the department i lead. Yes it was very well explained what the situation was, and all of my colleagues were very understanding.

They likely still recognize you as an expert in your role. Their distrust may stem from their concern that your’re not up-to-speed on the current details/status of things. I agree with the others that recommened that you give it time. This recently happened with a division manager that I was partnering with in the management of several projects. Our teams had to feel confident that was she fully up-to-speed before things returned back to normal. This took several months.

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No problem. I understand that being out on leave for an extended period of time is extremely tough. You bringing these concerns to the group further proves that you’re used to being seen as a resource and the “go-to” person. If you’ve built this reputation in the past then I can only assume that you’re dedicated to your work and the success of your team. Just continue being that dedicated person and your results will rebuild trust naturally. I sincerely think that your situation will improve.

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Following, I am planning to take a sabbatical soon.

Wow that was not what I said at all, please don't assume i chose to be sick and not follow through with my projects. I left everything up to date and neat, fixed urgent deadlines and handed over like a normal considerate peer and people leader.

likehelpful

If it were an accident and you were in hospital I don’t think it makes a difference, but if it were mental health etc (something you cannot see), I think it shows lack of reilience so they may be second guessing a lot of things about you.

Some may not even believe that you were sick!
Lots of rumors I am sure are going around.

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