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[nclean]

I discussed with my supervisor, who happens to be the undergraduate studies coordinator (and so, at 32, is doing a stellar job of his academic career) about my problems with the amount of group work, and the problems therein.  He was largely sympathetic, took some points on board, but reminded me that the world sucks this way.

More significantly, he

Comments

[dzurlady]

In a nutshell though, Mr NcLean here has given us a lovely example of "while you may be right, the way you've expressed yourself will not lead to the result you want." So getting the result you want is more important that venting your frustrations.
Exactly! I have had this conversation with several people and I find it very frustrating. My perspective is that getting the result I want is the most important part, rather than expressing what I actually feel about something. If someone is doing something you don't want them to do, it's more satisfying in the long run to fix the problem rather than to do some short term venting at them.

Also, at work you may well be in the position where you can't just be blunt/rude to them. Aside from it looking unprofessional (and showing a lack of communication skills) if you do it to colleagues or people you're managing (which is destructive for future interactions and can make your life even harder), you really can't do it to your bosses. Knowing how to politely influence someone senior to you to do something you want is a really useful skill! (I have had it described to me as part of 'managing upwards'.)