Early Morning Meetings Spark Workplace Debate as New York Times Article Highlights Managerial Tactics
NEW YORK – A recent article in The New York Times is fueling a conversation about workplace dynamics, specifically the impact of managerial communication styles and the boundaries between professional collaboration and personal well-being.Published October 18, 2025, the piece examines subtle, yet possibly damaging, behaviors exhibited by supervisors - including the strategic timing of meetings and the use of indirect feedback – and offers guidance for navigating these challenges.
The article arrives amid growing scrutiny of work-life balance and employee mental health, impacting professionals across industries. While the debate over remote work and flexible hours continues, this report focuses on the often-overlooked nuances of in-office interactions and the responsibility of leadership to foster a productive, respectful environment. The stakes are high: unresolved workplace friction can lead to decreased morale, reduced productivity, and ultimately, employee turnover.
One tactic discussed is the “compliment sandwich,” where negative feedback is positioned between positive statements. The Times notes that individuals tend to remember the final message,meaning a concluding compliment can diminish the impact of constructive criticism. An example provided illustrates the affect: “You’re great, we need you. You didn’t get the job. Your exceptional contributions are indispensable.” This approach,while seemingly gentle,can leave employees feeling confused and undervalued.
The article also addresses situations where a colleague’s behavior hinders one’s ability to perform thier job. It advises approaching a superior constructively, focusing on improvements to collaboration and communication rather than personal feelings or attitudes. The key, according to the report, is to remain professional and objective, framing the issue as a matter of workflow efficiency.
However, the advice emphasizes restraint.If the situation doesn’t directly impede work, the article suggests accepting that colleagues may be friends, rivals, or simply difficult personalities, but ultimately, their actions shouldn’t dominate one’s life outside the office.
The full article, “Early Meetings Work Advice,” is available on the New York Times website (subscription required): https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/business/early-meetings-work-advice.html.
