Has someone ever tried to say something negative about you and you took it as a compliment?

Better to vent to us than to get yourself in trouble saying something that shouldn't (should?) be said at work.

My thoughts exactly.

OK,so it has to do with the project manager I mentioned earlier. My manager suggested that I have a private meeting with him to let him know that I am just there to help him. I did so. The man's response to me was the most aggressive, disrespectful response I have ever seen. I have worked with a variety of people over my 30 year career. Sometimes we disagree, sometimes we don't really like each other, but we always find a way to work together. This man told me that he did not want my help, he did not want to work anything out and he did not want to ever meet one on one again.
So, I reported what happened to my manager. His response was that sometimes I may be perceived as coming on too strongly and I will need to change my tactics and only talk to him in meetings of via email.
Really? I was doing what he asked me to do. And a manager is OK with a consultant coming in and showing such blatant disrespect/rudeness for one of his people? I am part of the PMO. We work with all project managers! How is this man going to work with our customers and others on our team? And it sounds like they said nothing to him about his attitude. They feel that they need to wait and see if he changes. I am sorry, but first, second and third impressions are pretty telling.
OK. Venting over. Thank you. I am a red head and sometimes we just explode. Once the dust settles I will figure out a way to let my manager know that I am not cool with the way he handled the situation.

I hear you Dinah as Ive been in such situatons and it is unpleasant I know when it comes to consultants that are hired. I learned that at the end of the day, it is just business and managers or business owners normally do what is best for their work even if it means undermining your position - This is definitely not the right way to deal with it but many unfortunately do so because they do not think outside the box. Giving those consultants the freedom of saying and doing whatever they want and being rude to the employees is NOT OK - If this is the consultant's attitude Dinah then sooner or later, it will surface and be clear to everyone.

Good job, and good advice. Now, aren't you glad you vented here instead of at work?


If I had an emoji, I would choose the eye roll just to mess with you, or maybe the thumbs up. Might depend on my mood - I am leaning towards eye-roll right now. Anyway, despite my desire to pick on people (all in fun) sometimes, congrats on the compliment!