Is My Manager Knit-picking Me?

Have you ever felt like your manager was being overly critical or knit-picking your work? It can be frustrating, but sometimes, their attention to detail might actually be their way of helping you reach your full potential.

Here are 5 ways to determine if your manager’s feedback is knit-picking or genuinely aimed at helping you excel:

1. Frequency & Context: Are they offering constructive feedback regularly, or do they only focus on minor errors? Consistent, big-picture feedback is often geared toward growth, while focusing on small flaws without context might be knit-picking.

2. Clear Expectations: Do they set clear expectations for quality and performance? A manager who explains the 'why' behind high standards wants you to understand the impact of your work.

3. Opportunities for Improvement: Does their feedback come with suggestions or resources for improving? If so, they’re investing in your development, not just pointing out flaws.

4. Big-Picture Focus: Is there an emphasis on how your improvements align with company or team goals? Managers focused on growth will link your work to the bigger picture, showing how it adds value.

5. Consistency Across the Team: Are they equally invested in the development of your peers? A genuine effort to raise the team's standards often indicates a desire to help everyone excel, not just single someone out.

While it can be tough to hear feedback, taking a moment to reflect on its purpose can provide a new perspective and hope.