Ask Ash: Feedback didn't go down well

During a recent review, I was asked for feedback regarding management, and although I was encouraged to be honest to allow a frank discussion, it now seems that my line manager is not happy with the “tone” of my feedback. She has made clear that she was surprised and frustrated by my comments, particularly my feelings of being unsupported and lacking direction by management at times. I have tried to explain that this was not just directed towards her but to senior management as a whole, but she still feels betrayed; and I am now regretting saying anything.

You seem to have been caught between a rock and a hard place: you were asked for feedback and tried to be honest, but this has clearly backfired.

You may have been talking about management as a whole, but whether you meant it or not, this does still include your direct line manager too.

However, it may be worth trying to provide more context to your manager to allow her to understand your position better. I suggest letting things calm down a little first, then perhaps in a week or two suggesting a coffee with her to talk things through.

In advance, I suggest you prepare a couple of examples where you felt unsupported but explain the context of broader management issues. Perhaps also make clear how you understand the pressures that your manager is under, and that you had not been directing criticism at her directly; and appreciate that she too is bound by wider restrictions and pressures from senior management.

Dealing with management can be like walking a challenging tightrope, and there are clearly many sensitivities involved. In future, for your own peace of mind, I suggest that you focus on the context of any feedback more closely before embarking into the minefield of constructive criticism.

“Ash” is a solicitor who is willing to answer work-related queries from solicitors and other legal professionals, which can be put to them via the editor. Confidence will be respected and any advice published will be anonymised.

Please note that letters to Ash are not received at the Law Society of Scotland. The Society offers a support service for trainees through its Education, Training & Qualifications team. Email legaleduc@lawscot.org.uk or phone 0131 226 7411 (select option 3).