Would you be honest? or plea the 5th in this situation?

[Danny_dan92]

Long story short each year all the managers at my work get graded by all their employees and they receive scores in multiple categories based on percentages.


My manager is not that great if I’m being honest and this year she got absolutely ratioed by all her employees. Her biggest flaw is that she’s lazy and relies too much on the leads to fill in the gaps rather than mastering her craft.

This year she’s allegedly discussing our opinions on her (individually) after she got an outside manager to interview each of us about our input.


My respective lead has shown multiple times where whenever the manager is not there, he’s in a really good mood. But when she is there he’s grumpy and kind of a dickhead. Obviously making the workplace toxic af.


Should I be honest and tell her everything or refuse to comment?

[Oliverlogan263]

Man, that's tricky. On one hand, being honest could help everyone out long-term if she gets feedback to improve. But calling out a superior directly also comes with risks.

I'd probably play it cool and selective with my answers. Focus on objective things you've witnessed, not personal opinions ("When lead does X task without manager, projects run smoother").

If she pushes for specifics, politely plead the 5th. "I'm not comfortable criticizing my bosses directly." Frame it as staying out of drama, not throwing her under the bus.

Highlight any positives first to soften the blows. Then maybe gently note how the workplace seems less tense when she's away, without accusing her directly.

Ultimately it's up to you how transparent to be based on your read of her and your job security. Covering your own ass is priority one! With any luck she'll take constructive parts on board without making it personal.

Just be chill either way. You don't wanna make permanent enemies in the office over something like this. Good luck bro, let me know how it goes down!

[NathanDavis]

my suggestion would be... of course, be honest about it

but only answer what you're asked and don't go beyond that, and don't make it personal...

if you are/were in the military... then you should know how to go about it when speaking frankly to "authority" lol...

[Luv2BRealExotic13]

I’d say only if asked but answer in your best professional capacity. Keep in mind its work so unfortunately it’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Companies notoriously keep toxic, overly sensitive narc and lazy managers and fire everyone else bc those personas are rampant at the top too.

[strateguy632]

i would tell the story