Why does being honest and assertive get me in hot water?

Why does being honest and assertive get me in hot water?

Today, two of my colleagues were asked to give references for me for a job I had applied and was keen on winning.

Now I am an outsider and know that two internal people are vying for one job, so my chances are not extremely good but ill cross my fingers (and toes anyway).

Anyway back to the references, one colleague gave me a glowing references about my skills as a writer, a communicator and a team player. So essentially, two thumbs up.

While the other colleague gave a somewhat glowing reference where she was referred to my excellent writing abilities but raised the issue of my directness. Now, references are supposed to be accentuating my fabulousness, not pointing out something that she may see as a flaw when I see it as an attribute.

The thing is I don’t see directness as a bad thing. I see it as a person who is honest and assertive and is willing to get on with the job, not like others, simply sit still and wait for work (and eventual crisis’s) come to them.

Yet, my colleague thought it was appropriate to point it out, and then proceed to seek advice from our boss (who did not know I applied for the job) and see if the reference was correct. He agreed! Yeah you can imagine my reaction.

After saying nothing to no one, I spoke to my manager and he said that he was miffed that I had applied for job but he would have liked to have known about. I disagreed. I told him that while my honesty might not being everyone’s cup of tea, I am not changing for anyone, not now, not ever.

Anyway at the end of the day, I believe being honest and assertive is part of what makes me bloody awesome at my job, and it is these two attributes, which has seen progress quickly up my career ladder at the tender age of 29.

Those who criticise are only reflecting their insecurities, not mine.

So to all my criticisers… blow it out your arse!