I don't know about this particular case, but direct and clear can be read more like "accusing" depending on your culture. I think this reads more like "hey is everything okay?" than "why are your numbers dipping?"
Definitely - personally I feel the opposite. The more indirect, the more offensive it reads. “Is everything ok?” tells me there is a problem I need to expose myself (am I underperforming? Do I look unwell? Did I say something wrong?). Feels like a trap.
I’d rather hear what the problem is and how they think it can be fixed. (EU based)
I’d rather hear what the problem is and how they think it can be fixed. (EU based)