Teamleader always in CC
Teamleader always in CC
(OP)
Hello all,
Some months ago two team leaders exchanged departments. I didn't mind too much at the time, as I can work with almost anybody and can do my job no matter the team leader (although I feel the former one was a person from which I had much more to learn from than the new one).
For a period of time there were no problems, but then the new team leader started being a complete control freak. I can manage most of her rules, but I have a hard time accepting the rule where I have to add her in CC to every email I send.
Don't judge too fast...on all my evaluations I was over their expectations in terms of communication, as my team leader always knew what I was working on, as I like to be as transparent as possible. When identifying a new topic to work on I would always send an email or tell them directly and mention how I would go about fixing it, but then I would have fixed it directly and send to the team leader an email when the problem was fixed (one email only with a whole conversation maybe, and the solution to it). I thought this was an elegant way of dealing with things, I was also able to construct some work relationships with colleagues in other departments, all was well.
The problems I have with this CC rule are:
- I think some people will interpret it badly and thing that I need to add "my mommy" in order to receive an answer from them => I don't really know what I'm doing/I'm not really confident
- I cannot be proactive and make my own decisions (although I am the responsible person in some projects) because she has the annoying habit of interfering (i.e. when I receive an answer she sometimes replies before I get the chance)
- I feel that I cannot connect as easily to people in other departments
Do any of you have the same rule - boss always in CC for every stupid email? How do you deal with it? Am I just analyzing this too much and all the points I have on not liking the cc rule are just stupid?
Any insight would be helpful.
D.
Some months ago two team leaders exchanged departments. I didn't mind too much at the time, as I can work with almost anybody and can do my job no matter the team leader (although I feel the former one was a person from which I had much more to learn from than the new one).
For a period of time there were no problems, but then the new team leader started being a complete control freak. I can manage most of her rules, but I have a hard time accepting the rule where I have to add her in CC to every email I send.
Don't judge too fast...on all my evaluations I was over their expectations in terms of communication, as my team leader always knew what I was working on, as I like to be as transparent as possible. When identifying a new topic to work on I would always send an email or tell them directly and mention how I would go about fixing it, but then I would have fixed it directly and send to the team leader an email when the problem was fixed (one email only with a whole conversation maybe, and the solution to it). I thought this was an elegant way of dealing with things, I was also able to construct some work relationships with colleagues in other departments, all was well.
The problems I have with this CC rule are:
- I think some people will interpret it badly and thing that I need to add "my mommy" in order to receive an answer from them => I don't really know what I'm doing/I'm not really confident
- I cannot be proactive and make my own decisions (although I am the responsible person in some projects) because she has the annoying habit of interfering (i.e. when I receive an answer she sometimes replies before I get the chance)
- I feel that I cannot connect as easily to people in other departments
Do any of you have the same rule - boss always in CC for every stupid email? How do you deal with it? Am I just analyzing this too much and all the points I have on not liking the cc rule are just stupid?
Any insight would be helpful.
D.





RE: Teamleader always in CC
As project manager/principal engineer on a job, I need to be copied on all written communications with our external customer. When I mentor more junior project managers, I follow the same rule for them. When they don't need an active mentor any more, and are ready to completely stand on their own, then I'm happy to just be around to answer questions when asked. Until then, it's my job to know what they're doing, so when the customer calls me, I know what they're talking about. Internal communications? No problem- no need to include me in the communication chain unless there's a dispute or other issue I can help to resolve.
CCing the boss shouldn't be a problem for you, unless it leads to the "team leader" taking credit for work you did as if it were her own, or unnecessary intervention/meddling in what you're doing. Then it's control-freakism as you've suggested. Worried about appearances? Perhaps you should lighten up, or maybe move to a smaller company where there's less interdepartmental horsesh*t to worry about.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
RE: Teamleader always in CC
@ SLTA: Yes, I would say the same, my problem in easily accepting this rule is not gender related, it's just related to this behaviour I don't understand. And if anything, I'm a woman too.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
I've never had a boss that responded to this kind of stuff directly, that just seems rude to me. If it causes problems with clients or subordinates you really should ask her if a BCC would work for her.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
Law is the common force organized to act as an obstacle of injustice Frédéric Bastiat
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Is she making all the other team members copy her as well? As long as it's not just you, then maybe just sigh and see her as paranoid about not missing something or messing up in her new job. She perhaps had someone going behind her back at her last position, so a lesson hard learned. If it is just you, maybe it's time for a frank discussion about why.
Good luck...
RE: Teamleader always in CC
The title “team leader” implies to me, working manager, aka a person who has their own technical work and has to make sure others are on task.
This is a very challenging task, if not harder than pure management.
Being new to the “team” they may be trying to be a perfectionist, I second Zdas, that this will probably sort itself out as everyone figures each other out.
If you want to expedite things you could try offering better solutions that matches your work flow and company structure then the continuous CCing.
If you have multiple bosses, like many of us do, get them both together at the same time and try to offer a more efficient solution.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Good luck,
Latexman
Technically, the glass is always full - 1/2 air and 1/2 water.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
"On the human scale, the laws of Newtonian Physics are non-negotiable"
RE: Teamleader always in CC
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
Law is the common force organized to act as an obstacle of injustice Frédéric Bastiat
RE: Teamleader always in CC
- Steve
RE: Teamleader always in CC
For a vaguely similar situation, I once managed to send an email to folks outside my department that offended someones delicate sensibilities. In response my manager said he had to approve all emails to anyone outside of the department. So, I rigidly complied - plus if he hadn't given me the OK within a few minutes I'd do and bug him about it.
I think this particular policy lasted about a week.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Best to you,
Goober Dave
Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Sorry I call BS on that one, or alternatively say that one persons 'Passive Aggressive' is another persons 'Unconventional Warfare' - you know like the US used during the revolutionary war etc.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
- Steve
RE: Teamleader always in CC
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
RE: Teamleader always in CC
RE: Teamleader always in CC
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Probably the most common reaction when a person does not like a situation that is beyond their immediate control, is reluctant, begrudging compliance. Now that is passive aggressive.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Few things at work anger me more easily than seeing a political "selecive cc" to a superior or a client. When people want to play those kinds of games with me, then I walk over to the offending individual, have a one-minute conversation, and either modify or put an end to their participation in that or any subsequent email chain.
In your instant, just hit cc. People who have nothing to hide, hide nothing. Be one of those people.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Sure, we all talk to one another, and that's good- but I still need to be copied on written correspondence.
I'll take the cc's and read the e-mail, gladly. When my employer is paying me to do it, it's hard to object. Not after hours, or on weekends, unless I've asked for that communication- a lot of people fall into that trap, but I never will.
If I were you, I'd pick my battles. You're unlikely to win this one. Do what you're asked.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Happened here...
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Teamleader always in CC
RE: Teamleader always in CC
That's one of the reasons I end up with more people on my 'to' and 'CC' lines than I'd really like because if you don't include them initially they can at some point get left out of the part of the chain they do need.
I.e. they may not be directly affected by my initial email but may care about a reply etc.
Or the email chain breaks into sub chains etc. which can be a pain and I end up spending time managing the email chain rather than working...
So, yeah before emailing think if a phone call or walking over to someone may be more effective but sometimes the 'paper trail'/keeping other folk in the loop is appropriate.
I know there are software offerings that effectively act like a forum or blog for specific topics I can't help thinking that would be better for many applications of email.
Either way, unless you don't want your manager to see your email for whatever reason (some of which you hint at) I don't see the issue with CC them.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Me: "Say, Big-guy -- how about getting somebody to clean up around the loading dock sometime?"
Big-guy: "No problem!"
A couple hours later, the president of the company and a police officer are in my office wanting to know why big-guy has closed the street (a major one) with orange barrels and brought in a truck-mounted pressure washer to the dock area. Big-guy told them I said to do it.
Anyway, that's my experience with malicious compliance. I am not in favor of it. Even if it is different from passive-aggressive behavior, it can get one labeled as a passive-aggressive person, which does not sit well with HR weenies.
Best to you,
Goober Dave
Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies
RE: Teamleader always in CC
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Oops, butter-fingers. Seem to have hit "No". Never mind. Just blame it on my Linux news client that I insist on using instead of the M$ thing we're all assumed to be using.
- Steve
RE: Teamleader always in CC
One result of this policy in my workplace is that I make more phone calls.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
I think it would be simpler to use email.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Sorry I call BS on that one, or alternatively say that one persons 'Passive Aggressive' is another persons 'Unconventional Warfare' - you know like the US used during the revolutionary war etc.
of course it's passive aggressiveness. a good way to get fired.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
RE: Teamleader always in CC
That's one we use, as well. If you are cc'd on an email, it's for information, you aren't expected to do anything. If the email is to you, it may require some action on your part.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
smart.
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Is there a setting for that (assuming Outlook)?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Maybe it's me that has an open relationship with my manager, where I do not work for him but we work together (he puts in the experience and vision, I do the grunt work) that is different?
I actually want him to be on most of my emails for documentation, we implemented a ticket based email protocol where we always put in the ID number in the subject and with a simple Outlook rule, emails get sorted into folders automatically and if needed he can skim through the information as needed.
And as others pointed out, this person is in charge. Did she started taking action based on all the emails or does she let you carry on with your work?
Have you considered that by having her on emails you are in fact buying a bit more freedom from her as she can assess your competency and keep track of what is going on without breathing down your neck?
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Email is great for sending a chunk of information to several people (no reply required), or for leaving a message for a single recipient if you know they aren't there, or it's not urgent. Think electronic versions of "normal mail" and "post-it notes".
But for discussions its hopeless, and should be a last ditch choice. Much easier to pick up the phone and you can get a lot more covered in a short time, rather than spending time "wording the email correctly", waiting for a response, replying to that and so on... Plus, tone of voice carries a lot more meaning than words alone, and any misunderstandings are cleared up instantly on the phone.
Afterwards, you can always use email for "minutes", once everything has been covered. And then cc the boss into just 1 email.
www.jcb.com
NX 8.5 with TC 8.3
RE: Teamleader always in CC
Great point, best of both worlds.
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.