[beryilma]

> I've noticed quality issues in your code recently...

Why is it always the report who is the source of the problem and not the manager?

How about "I've created a toxic work environment and put my reports under a lot of stress. And I have not given them any opportunities to grow and learn new skills. I am planning to do better..." Words that will never come from the mouth of a manager.

Have a hard conversation with yourself first before blaming the reports.

[LanceH]

Articles aren't written for reports, or at least the advertising on those articles are directed at the managerial and above level.

[cutemonster]

Yes, and s/he did actually say:

"Can we talk about how we can address that?"

rather than "Can we talk about what you can stop doing wrong"

(Although maybe does sound a little little bit in that direction?)

Maybe the answer is "Too much stress and deadlines"? And it's the manager's fault?

What's something even more neutral to say, that leaves the possibility that it's the managers "fault" more open?