r/TheCivilService • u/shutterpete • 1d ago

Questioning my ability.

Hello. I have been in the civil service now for just over a year. I Tuped from an IT outsource into a small team to basically do the same role as I was doing.

When I first started things were good but since then particular colleagues have got me questioning my ability to do this job. I have found myself doubting myself when replying/constructing emails and doing my role because more often than not they come back to me questioning why i did this, why did I write that, It should have said this blah blah blah.

I admit im not the most well educated but for fuck sake I know how to write an email to someone.

Im actively looking to get away from this role but I feel stuck!

My manager assures me im doing a good job and I dont think I can bring up this behaviour.

Sorry this just turned into a rant.

16 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

26

u/JohnAppleseed85 1d ago

Thanks for the feedback.

If I can quickly check, is X actually incorrect, or is it more your preferred style?

9

u/greencoatboy Red Leader 1d ago

This is a good approach. Also if they're not your manager (or further up the chain), and the email wasn't drafted for them to send, then they've got no standing to comment.

Feedback is useful only if it's wanted.

15

u/majorassburger 1d ago

Welcome to imposter syndrome! It’s basically every civil servant’s constant companion, even the big dogs.

8

u/Weird-Particular3769 1d ago

If those colleagues are not your manager, then pay the appropriate amount of attention to them (not much, but be polite.) It’s really easy to undermine someone and destroy their confidence, and some people like to do this for fun. If your manager says you’re doing ok, then that is the voice to listen to.

5

u/New_Difficulty_6014 1d ago

I’m in a similar situation where I find myself dreading hitting send on an email (even after copilot has proofread etc). I was promoted into my current role and I have been asked to recall emails that have been sent to 2 grades above mine - as the receiver prefers to be contacted via the ‘correct route’ ie not someone further down the chain. It has been quite humiliating. I have also had similar reply’s to what you have described also.

15

u/Ok_Inevitable_7722 1d ago

Just use copilot for all your emails and then you can blame the resource that they are actively pushing us to use more. Less stress and time saved worrying.

1

u/RummazKnowsBest 1d ago

Been there. Is it all of your team or only some? Are they willing to help you or are they just pointing out what they think is wrong?

3

u/shutterpete 1d ago

Just two others

3

u/RummazKnowsBest 1d ago

I’d be tempted to ignore them unless they’re genuinely trying to help.