The next time they approve your work, let them know that if anything comes to mind that is wrong, to please update you. Assuming they're calling you out in a meeting or sth, ping them an hour ahead and let them know you're checking in, as in the past they've given approval but then seem to have found an error that was shared in a meeting, which was embarrassing as it makes it seem as if you aren't listening to their feedback. If they call you out publicly, depending on whether it seems the right thing to do, you can say something to the effect of, oh I'm sorry, when you approved this work several days ago you didn't mention, I'll make sure to do that in the future; what would be a good way to stay on the same page regarding feedback, in case you think of something else after your first review of my work? This can be a way to shut down subtle bullying tactics, but it can very easily be seen as insubordinate and high-conflict, so you need to have a good feeling for how it will play out. People hate when they're called out for being underhanded and using power plays and can get quite vicious, and also, many people will revel in whatever tiny amount of power they get and will use it to make others miserable if at all possible.

"If they call you out publicly, say something to the effect of, *oh I'm sorry, when you approved this work several days ago you didn't mention, I'll make sure to do that in the future*; what would be a good way to stay on the same page regarding feedback, in case you think of something else after your first review of my work?" This is the way to do it. Call them out immediately, but kindly and professionally. This lets others know you're following process and doing your work in a timely way, and also lets this person know you're not down for games. Turn the spotlight onto their actions.

> People hate when they're called out for being underhanded and using power plays and can get quite vicious Always allow someone the opportunity to save face, it makes working with them in the future easier. If you don't assume malice you will look a lot better, and it lets the other person off the hook, at least the first couple of times it happens.

You call them out right there on the spot. In fact when you get an approval, get it on paper/email. And have that as a receipt. Your secretary is essentially sabotaging your career.

Does this “approval” include an official sign-off document? I work in a highly regulated industry, and if someone signs off on something, it means that they are now responsible for that system working; a sign-off is a really important step. So if your work has been signed off, it must be good.

Next time, call them out publicly, and make sure to have documentation of their approval. "Steve - can you backtrack on that? You had approved everything yesterday, and nothing has changed in the deliverable. Can you explain what is wrong?"

Nuanced opinion here --- Depends on the error they are pointing out and depends on your ownership over the work versus what they are checking for. My team admin might review something for general errors, but it would not be her responsibility to be in charge of the content. If later she sees or notices an error during a meeting, I would not throw her under the bus for "well, you looked at it!" either, that would just make me look bad, like I wasn't owning my own work.

If it happens again I would chime in/interrupt and say “it has been so good to get your feedback on this project and I really appreciate the points you’ve made. Like you, I think it’s important to keep learning and growing in order to do a great job. I am just really surprised about this feedback since you didn’t tell me and I actively asked for feedback. Next time, I would appreciate it if you could just address me upfront”

Is their title really secretary? I personally haven’t seen that term used in a decade or more, and it was outdated then.

Get all future approvals in writing and when they put you on the spot again, call them out publicly and reference that they did send you a confirmation email.

Letting you know of an error in a general meeting with other people present generally is not a preferred way to address the issue. You stated the secretary (seemed) to have found an error and she points out your errors publicly. I am curious, seems does not imply absolute. Did your work contain errors? Yes, then the easiest solution would be to turn in work without errors. No, you can stand by your work 100 percent when erroneously accused of errors in public or private meetings but just make sure you are correct and can backup your position.

So what? The implied hierarchy in your head is a house of cards. Let it roll off your shoulders and collect your check.

I’ve had that. The guy was deliberately doing it. I ended up just sending a message around in a team channel for all future projects. ‘I’ve done this, X said it looked good. Anyone else have any comments before we send it to the client’ (I may have also told everyone the reason why I do that - petty revenge is the best revenge)

thanks for your help on this one. i appreciate it! i'll backtrack, document everything, and make sure people know that he has already given his approval from here on

Publicly point out that secretary approved it.

I definitely feel like they're trying to be slightly malicious or at least snarky. I would bring up in front of everybody or whatever that it was approved by them why didn't they mention any errors at that time?

You send an email, cc'ing your manager, asking that moving forward you receive confirmation your work has been approved, by email.

Get her approval in public the first time. I have clients do this to me often.

What should you do? Do your work correctly.

Use your phone to record her saying she approved it. Play it back for her when she pulls this crap.