my only motivation to be there is to earn money and my 401k. So many of my coworkers and management feel offended by this statement.
I’m union. Union lawyer thinks this is a management strategy to try to manipulate me.
Cue BS answer for any c-suite that tries making me feel insecure over this:
well, I’m a terrible liar, that’s why I’m asking you :D
the unfriendly party might be easy: I’m always friendly and direct because I want to work. maybe that?
That is too much of a commitment. Should end with I’ll consider that, or I’ll look into that.
There is a fine line between not following instructions and being combative. The reason yours doesn’t work is because it opens the conversation up more for the employer to ask questions. It tows the line of being combative and telling the employer to pound sand.
There is no harm in telling the employer you’ll try to fix something. You just can’t commit because they’ll hold you to the standard you set. Committing to “do your best” can’t be challenged and most middle managers will think they won the conversation.