Seamstress Corrects Her Boss About Particular English Error To Avoid Future Embarrassment, Boss Apologizes But Still Gets Mad At Her

"The customer is always right" is a phrase we normally hear. But when it comes to your boss, it might not really be so.

You see, criticizing a boss when they make a mistake or get the facts wrong can be awkward. The best strategy for handling a manager's error is to use a light touch because the last thing you want to do is embarrass them or come across as either insubordinate or a know-it-all.

It can be difficult to tell your employer they're incorrect, but it's a good idea to speak out if their error will harm the business or a client. It could come across as arrogant to inform your boss that they are mistaken about a trivial matter, but not for the OP.

The OP works as a tailor, doing alterations, and a lot of her sewing involves stitching things by hand. Most seamstresses either hate or are indifferent to hand sewing, but the OP absolutely loves it.

OP gets very excited when she sees there is something to be done by hand on her rack. OP's boss knows this, so whenever he sees something that needs to be hand-stitched, he gives it to her.

English isn't the first language of the OP's boss, so the occasional grammatical error is to be expected. The OP sought to correct a particular error he made, but her boss seemed to be irritated by it.

OP writes

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Most seamstresses either hate or are indifferent to hand sewing, but the OP absolutely loves it

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OP waited about a week and then let the assistant manager know she might want to tell him

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The Dynamics of Workplace Communication

Dr. Sarah Jennings, an organizational psychologist, emphasizes the importance of clear communication in professional settings.

Her research indicates that when employees feel the need to correct their superiors, it's often born from a desire to foster a collaborative work environment.

This can be particularly relevant in creative fields, where precision in language can significantly impact project outcomes.

OP's boss told her that it's also important for her to be understanding of grammatical errors

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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a*shole:

I corrected my boss on a grammatical error, but he seems annoyed with me, and I think I might've been too nitpicky.

And the comments from other redditors roll in...

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OP's boss did seem kind of annoyed with her

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However, a study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior shows that correcting a boss can also introduce tension into the workplace, as it challenges the existing hierarchy.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for both employees and managers to navigate feedback constructively.

This Redditor didn't see any other way it could be done

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It may have been embarrassment or seriousness

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Somewhere in the comments, the OP said:

I don't remember if I mentioned I wanted it to be anonymous or not, but that was my intention. HR seemed a little more extreme, especially considering another commenter is saying I'm TA for involving another person at all.

Mentioning it to him directly

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Emotional Repercussions of Workplace Corrections

Psychologists have found that individuals often fear the consequences of providing feedback to authority figures due to potential backlash or perceived disrespect.

This apprehension can lead to anxiety and conflict, impacting overall job satisfaction and team morale.

By fostering an open dialogue about feedback, organizations can mitigate these fears, creating a healthier work environment.

Learning from it and moving past it

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He may be a little irritated but still glad

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The OP handled it in a professional way

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A comprehensive review from the National Institutes of Health highlights that organizations that encourage upward feedback tend to have higher employee engagement and loyalty.

This underscores the importance of creating systems where feedback is normalized and valued, reducing the stigma associated with correction.

The relationship you have with your boss may suffer if you admit that your boss is mistaken. So, before bringing up a subject, it's important that you do your research and make sure it is relevant.

The OP works at a tailor shop, so talking about hand-stitching does come up a lot. Redditors understood why she had to correct her boss, and she was declared not the AH.

Psychological Analysis

This situation illustrates the delicate balance employees must navigate when providing corrections to superiors.

Understanding the underlying motivations for seeking clarity can help create a more supportive atmosphere where constructive feedback is not only accepted but encouraged.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Overall, understanding the nuances of workplace communication is essential for maintaining healthy professional relationships.

As noted by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, "Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful workplace. When feedback is encouraged, it not only enhances team dynamics but also boosts productivity." Creating an environment where feedback is welcomed can significantly improve interactions among team members.