It's embarrassing to even talk about this but I need a healthy way to vent this. A junior was showing me a design on her laptop and her WhatsApp web was open right beside it. Turns out there's a whole chat between a couple of them where they just talk about me in a hugely disparaging manner. I feel so defeated. I had no idea I was this hated amongst them and I can't think of a reason why. I've been nothing but nice. Have any of you dealt with a situation like this? I don't even know how to feel.

likeuplifting
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You can be the best damn CD and still have haters. If you know in your heart that there can't be a solid reason why they would hate you, then let it be. Don't even bother bringing it up. Just continue to be the boss you are!!

likehelpfuluplifting

That's a disturbing story, most especially because the person you were dealing with sounds too dumb to be working at her job. If she had a WhatsApp chat visible to you, she really can't be trusted to use computers. Definitely make a mental note of that and when the opportunity comes along, manage her out the door.

likehelpful

Yeah, you’ll have that. It’s tough but you’re likely the proxy for a lot of their frustrations and most people don’t appreciate a great boss until they have a bad one. Just keep on keeping on, treat them fairly, ask for feedback if you want, but ultimately remember that it isn’t personal, you can’t force growth, and it’s not going to matter whether every junior likes you.

likeupliftinghelpful

Yeah, it's eye opening when you realize it. I'd say it's not you, but it is part of being you. My old boss once told me that you know you're a boss when everyone stops talking the moment you walk into the bathroom and wait for you to leave before they talk again.

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Let’s be real: no designer loves their creative director because no artist enjoys being critiqued—it’s an ego hit. You’re the seasoned creative, armed with knowledge, experience, and a voice of reason. So why chase the approval of someone you wouldn’t even turn to for advice?

like

There simply is no way to do the CD job and not run into this shit. But I’m curious: did this person not know you can read? Why would she let you see this chat?

like

A lot of creatives bitch about work. You’re the common denominator so it makes sense for you to become the target. But that’s a tough thing to see. One approach could be to talk to all of them individually and say “hey, I saw the chat and the negative things being said about me. I’d like to be a better CD and have a positive working relationship. What can I do to improve it?”

like

It’s something that on the one hand you shouldn’t have seen but on the other you have to assume is happening. And it’s gonna be ok. Every day is a new opportunity to build a relationship.

like

I know it’s a slap. But consider this. Is anybody who would be so stupid as to leave that convo open for you to see worth even a moment’s thought? You’re worried about being accepted by a dingbat.

If you ve reflected and find their words unfounded, chalk it up to the game. Bit hung about your boss is an integral part of being an employee. It is what it is.

On another note, that coworker essentially showing you the thread is either massive negligence or purposeful passive aggression. In either instance, you may want to consider speaking with them about it.

There is a trash talk thread about every CD ever. Relax.

I know it could be frustrating to see that, but it comes with leadership roles sometimes actually often times. The leader gets to be the butt of everyone’s joke because you know they’re punching up so at least they don’t hate each other. They probably don’t mean half the things you say they’re just venting, but you know there’s really not much you can do about it, but I hope it doesn’t let you down too much.

Shake it off. Have you loved every CD you’ve ever had? Probably not. You can confront them. Ask them what their issues are. Or you can ignore it and focus on doing what you do. But don’t be hurt by it. Creatives have issues with authority in general. Managing them is one of the toughest jobs in the business.

creative people often have an anti-authoritarian streak. That's good. As the boss, you're the authority. Creative people are also really good complainers. Don't take it too personally.

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