Was told by my CD that “I screwed up on a pitch and now no one trusts [me].” I thought I understood their directions but I gave them something different. That’s on me. But I had sent them finalized assets by 5 (got directions at 4) and they didn’t get bother to check the deck until the next morning of the client call despite being pinged to do so much earlier. Is it worth talking it through and pointing out where they also messed up, or should I take this on the chin and keep moving forward?

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

1. Super weak that they're throwing you under the bus on this. Also weird that they're *admitting* to throwing you under the bus on this.

2. Hard to see how asset revisions that took less than an hour to do — and apparently didn't warrant being reviewed by a CD or above — could have a significant impact on a pitch.

Sounds like you are being made to be the scapegoat for lots of other bigger problems. Hard to course correct from that, but again, at least you know what's happening.

like

I thought our industry had moved on from those kind of aggressive CD put downs. Even if you did screw up, that's not how they should have expressed it to you.

like

Doesn't this person deserve to know why they're being put on the bench? You have no idea how the conversation started or ended.

Also, I bet they win the pitch.

CDs are the directors. The QBs, everything comes back to them whether they want it to or not.

If they didn’t bother to look at what you sent before the call that’s on them not you. They get paid to lead things so the buck stops with them.

like

I would do it. Don’t let them create a false narrative against you.

likesmart

They’re the leaders. It’s on them. Defend yourself.

like

Yes. Absolutely rise up and present your side in a calm and unemotional way. I swear I would be so much further along in my career if I had done that, instead of being afraid and wanting to be a man about taking criticism. (I am a woman)

like

Oof. Red flag. You ride and die as a team. Sounds like you cant trust your cds leadership tbh.

The key is they said “no on trusts you.” Not that “he or she” cant trust you.

No on implies the wider team…which implies the cd didn’t stand up and take ownership as the leader of the project… which implies throwing a subordinate under the bus…

I’d bring up in a one:one. Make it productive conversation. Find steps to course correct for the future. Take control of the narrative.

like

Where are the traffic or project managers?

like

You read my mind. Weird. Might be a red flag 🚩agency it sounds like.

like

Your creative director has all the hallmarks of a person with some sort of narcissistic issue. Notice the “triangulation” method, which is to align a third person (or persons) against you (“no one trusts you.”) This, plus the lack of accountability for their role as a creative director, means it’s their issue, not yours. That creative director professionally traumatized you. Try not to let this person get you down. You are self-aware and talented.

Be aware that if this creative director truly has some sort of disorder, they **will** react aggressively and point everything back at you if you bring up anything they have done wrong. Brace yourself for this. You can never convince a crazy person that they did something wrong, they will always point it right back at you and make you doubt yourself.

Definitely start looking for a job elsewhere, it’s really hard to work with a crazy person because there’s no graceful way to deal with the issue without sacrificing a bit of your own sanity.

likesmart

I agree with this take a thousand percent, unfortunately standing up to bullies just puts a target on your back when the next round of layoffs hit. Better to stay under the radar until something else comes along.

What kind of decent pitch team goes in without reviewing the work? Not just CD but Strat and Accounts should all be 100% dialed in and nailed down. Maybe you misunderstood, it happens, does not excuse them for not triple checking everything.

like

Honestly this agency deserves to lose the pitch if they allow this many layers of incompetent leaders to flourish.

like

They gave you an hour, and then never looked at the work despite being asked to? Then it was shown to the client with nobody taking a look? Screw that and them.

like

I'm sorry that happened and hope you're able to regain their trust soon. It may be worth talking through an action plan to better deliver in the future and use that opportunity to propose check-ins. I don't think you should "point out where they also messed up" necessarily because as a senior, the expectation may be that you can produce client ready deliverables with little feedback.

like

Maybe they were working on other stuff and didn’t have time to review your work. Take it on the chin and keep moving forward.

like

Yeah, that's on the CD. They gotta check everything and take the blame when shit happens.

like

You deserve better. I would find a new CD or a new job. You will never thrive under someone like this. Who cowardly doesn’t take accountability and instead blames people below them.

You could consider talking through your side of the story but if your CD has already decided not to take accountability it’s hard.

like

I mean you should definitely go up the chain on this. No non-toxic ECD is gonna be thrilled with a CD that leaves their seniors to twist in the wind then throws them under the bus. The literal job description of the creative director is to be the one who owns the final presentation. This person is straight up negligent

like

This isn’t on you. They made a choice to not review the deck. That’s their management that’s off, not your output.

TBH, I’ve never heard of A. People in charge of a pitch deck not reviewing it before presenting it and B. People in charge of a pitch deck blaming the people they were overseeing when they were they ones who were meant to be overseeing the deck.

They’re children. Don’t let their bad behavior bring you down.

like

Start looking for your next gig. You never know how things will progress from here on out, so cover your ass.

Wasn’t there a brief? Or some other provided documentation that you based your work on? A big piece of this may come down to who was aligned with the documented expectations.

Has there been times where my more junior creatives had made big mistakes. Yes. Was I upset. Sometimes. But did I take that out on them. No. That’s not productive. What is productive is being constructive and helping them understand why they may have not made the best choice so in a future situation they might handle better. But also it’s def your CDs fault for not checking the work.

Related Posts

How to tell your firm that you are lateraling to a different firm? Feel like it’s not going to go well.

like

I am meeting with my old VP of HR for lunch soon, they got let go after a few months with the company. I had a great working relationship with them and felt they were really trying to push me forward in the company unlike my manager. I can’t shake off the “guilt” feeling like I am doing something wrong. Can anyone relate?

like

Entering 3rd year at mid size firm in SE doing ID. I like my firm but really dont like the partner i exclusively work with and am going to put in notice. Do i tell the partner i work with first or the managing partner?

like

I’m dealing with a difficult management situation and don’t know what to do, how would you report someone when nobody really cares what’s going on or is automatically going to side with the other person?

like

Today is Women's Day and 'A Day Without a Woman,' -- are you skipping work and wearing red?

like

There is a partner that, without fail, calls on Fridays after 6pm anytime I am staffed with him. It’s extremely frustrating since his calls are usually non-urgent and I make it a point to check in early in the day to address anything. Any advice?

like

Any advice on dealing with a Partner who lacks project management/leadership skills? I'll take any suggestion...a podcast, a TedTalk, a yoga position, wine, hard liquor, basically anything.

like

The hostility on my team is rough. We have a yeller. I walked by her room the other day. She was screaming across the room at a student, "you have to be kind to get kindness." Seriously, those were her words in a loud, berating, angry tone. Our admin has asked that we not report these. We are to talk to the teacher. She has yelled at me and other adults. Admin has to know she treats the kids this way too. One teacher has to work with her door closed to not hear the yelling all day.

like

Just got staffed on a project in London. Any major differences from American business fashion I should be aware of?

like

How do you deal with your “mentor” being threatened by your performance and gatekeeping information from you? Then turning around and giving you shit for not knowing things… but they don’t tell you anything and there is no way for you to know. My learning and development is being hindered and I’ve felt this for a long time, but coworker just confirmed this is the case. Now that I know I’m not “crazy” for thinking this, how should I approach this?

like

First year analyst here... my manager often asks me to buy coffee for her and never pays me back. What should I do?

like

I get super nervous every time I talk to my SM and MD on the project. Normal?

like

How do you deal with a team who only takes action when they have gotten the cosign from white counterpart? I.e. Maybe place a tag ...no action. White counterpart, I agree we should place a tag 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

like

Do you tell your boss you’re going through a breakup? I’m phoning it in and obviously going to be camera off for awhile.

like

“At dinner John (client) said I have nice legs, grabbed my thigh, put his arm around me & invited me to his hotel. Seems inappropriate.” Boss: “Well we won’t be taking him to dinner again this year”🤯

likehelpful

I am so tired of being treated like an assistant and I’m at a loss on how to correct it. My coworkers are generally nice, but while I watch white (usually male) associates at my level or even more junior get substantive work, I’m still receiving administrative tasks as a mid-level. Appreciate any advice.

like

Overheard from another coworker that the person hired to be in charge of the entire campus had sexual harassment complaints made against them at their previous job, and apparently the reason one of our coworkers left is because he was making her feel uncomfortable. Thoughts?

like

What do I do if I’ve only worked one job (the one I’m currently at) and another company is asking for references? I could do professors from college but not sure if that’s a good idea. I wish I could give my current manager’s contact but I don’t want her knowing :/

like

What do you value most to make a work environment attractive to you?

like

I have an informational interview with a director of a consulting firm. I’m currently in banking. It’s just been 6 months at this job for me. It’s too slow for me. How do I tell this director why I want to work with him and justify why I want to leave my current firm just after 6 months? I’m an analyst and the role I’m targeting is also analyst level role

like

More Posts

What is your socioeconomic background and how much NW do you consider “enough” to be able to live comfortably?

like

Since the fed rate is now zero.. What does thst mean for mortgage rates and savings rates? They gonna plummet to nearly 0%?

like

Is it true that some* debt is good debt. I’m referring to student loans, interest is ranging from 2% - 5% (all federal loans). Total is 20k, is it smarter to pay it off immediately and ASAP or just stretch and put the extra money into investing? Note I just graduated this year, thank you guys :)

like

Anyone here read “Die with Zero”? What are your thoughts on the principles from the book?

like

Anyone get anxiety thinking about how you’re already funding your parents lives because they gave up everything and worked to the bone for you? I get the concept of giving back and wanting to take care of my parents but damn didn’t realize my life would be so financially tied to them even at 23. It’s like we moved to the US just so I can give them my paycheck.

like

Anyone here 40s never married, no kids?

like

I’ve been in a relationship now for two years. We are living together. We talk about the future etc. I could easily see myself marrying her. However, I have an issue… cont

like

Any interesting use cases or potential future cases of using data analytics/ML/RPA in internal audit departments? Besides simple journal entry testing etc, trying to find out about different feasible applications of DA/DS in the audit and risk/controls space

likehelpful

My name is Dawn and I teach pre-kindergarten in a public elementary school in New Jersey. I’ve been teaching for 16 years and have my masters in Inclusive Early Childhood Education. Nice to meet everyone.

like

Have a R1 with BCG but the HR said in the invitation that their first start dates for Consultant are in 2022. Is this normal? Can this be negotiated?

like

Anyone available for fit prep tomorrow at 5 pm est?

like

Anyone willing to offer referral for lateral hire consulting opportunities at MBB. Is it possible to share the profile internally with someone at Partner level for consideration.
12+ yrs experience in strategy, transformation, change, process improvement, cost optimization & analytics. Helped F500 clients on Future of Work & workforce transformation cases in pandemic.

like

McKinsey & Company Would anyone at McKinsey & Company be willing to chat for a referral for an analyst position?

like

Has anyone used LAS Links? What can I expect?

like

Top “lifestyle” litigation firms - what are they and what are the best ones in the nyc market?

like

Is there a point in reaching out to HR if I am being mentally tortured in the project. My project manager has cancelled my leaves which I planned 2 months in advance and approved for the person who is very close to him (Chaatu). Will the HR help me here or start giving me gyaan about company policies.

KGS, Consulting

like

Those who went to consulting or advisory from audit as a manager: did you have to step down?

like

With so many VC firms coming up have you considered pivoting into the VC space? Wondering if the pay is good as compared to consulting. For context, I am a M making $170k base in the South East.

Should I instead focus on becoming a LP? Are these investor fund VCs worth the investment?

like

I had interviewed with Deloitte UK consulting in June/July and was called by the HR team by the end of July that the interviews were positive and they're sending for approval for an offer to be rolled out. I was called back later in September and told that the role is on hold due to a hiring freeze. Is anyone else in this situation and have you'll heard back from the HR team post that

Boston Consulting Group EY-Parthenon - Folks, Whats the BCG equivalent position for a EY-P Assistant Director/Associate Director? Is it a Principal or a Project Leader? What factors could drive this decision in an interview.

Additional Posts in Advertising

The Ask a Recruiter bowl is ghosting already.

likefunnyuplifting

I see Jason Peterson found a new gig.... #KeepingUpWithTheKardashians

Post Photo
likefunny

What do y'all know about Konrad NY?

like

How does one proceed if/when receiving job offers from two shops within the same holding company? Asking for a friend.....

like

Thoughts on GREY NY these days?

funnylikehelpful

What small or mid sized NYC shops are doing good work right now?

like

Is it that bad to leave an agency after a few months as a junior? Been at my agency for 6 months and seeing no possibilities to grow and have my ideas heard. Wanna start job hunting. Is this ok?

like

I just got into reading books, any suggestions to start with? Which could help to increase media/marketing knowledge.

like

Terrible day. How do you get your head back on straight? Will consider any options. Currently, can only think of crying into a glass of wine.

likefunny

When should you stop following up after a great interview? Was told I was too pricey for one market, so they asked me if I would consider another in the future. I said yes, and now it’s been a week.

like

Wendys twitter interactions are pure gold.

like

Anyone participate in the 4A's Institute? Philly presentations are coming up this week! Any recommendations?

like

Any tricks for keeping up with social content trends? Anyone know of a site that tracks them?

like

What skills or abilities do you believe are the most important to have/demonstrate in order to move from Copywriter to Sr. Copywriter?

like

Looking for senior designers that knows shopper marketing. Please DM with books!

Today is Women's Day and 'A Day Without a Woman,' -- are you skipping work and wearing red?

like

What are your thoughts on leaving a stable but unfulfilling job for another one during these times?

like

Why do people in this industry say "like" so much? It makes it annoying to, like, walk around the building and listen

like

When choosing company health plan level options, (they pay mine not family’s) do you go for the gold (low deduct/co-pay) silver or bronze(high deduct/co-pay)?

like

Marcel here. So instead of talking behind my back, how about saying it to my face? Here I am, ready to answer questions, concerns, or just talk sports. So what would you like to know? 🤖

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