Mixed Messages

Why is it that reviews are never straightforward? I certainly understand that they need to be a mixture of strengths and weaknesses, praise and guidance, but when things are completely contrary it's hard to know where to go from there.

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• Use discretion. Do not express displeasure and disappointment about leadership.
• Express your opinion. Don't remain in the background.
• Expresses opinion well and is valued.

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• Take on a greater leadership style. Be less deferential in dealing with staff and managers.
• She is rough around the edges and harsh on staff - "my staff are terrified of her."
• Give people direction and hold them accountable, be more hands off.

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• Shows confidence and meets us as an equal at the table.
• Holds back and is "beaten down" by our organization.
• Has a phobia about numbers that trips her up - she should let it go.

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WTF.

There is more good than bad in the feedback that I received, but of course it is the bad that resonates with us. One set of comments in particular took me completely by surprise and were attributed to a female VP that I had no concept of having issues with. She described her staff as being "terrified of me." Me??? Little old me??? I cannot even imagine what I've done or said that has created this. And a part of me is horrified.

Another part of me is intrigued.

Am I less or more likely to get service from this team as a result of this terrifying persona?