Managers shouldn't send messages like "let's talk", but if receiving a message like that scares you, there's probably something broader going on (ie the work en

Managers shouldn't send messages like "let's talk", but if receiving a message like that scares you, there's probably something broader going on (ie the work environment might be toxic or lacking in trust). As an extreme, think of the worst manager or company you worked for saying "let's talk" vs the best manager or company you worked for saying the same thing. Honestly, I've worked in places (and with managers) where a message like that would scare the crap out of me, and places where a message like that would make me really excited, because: - I trust that my manager will rarely negatively surprise me. - I feel like most news is generally positive (ie positive feedback, good opportunity opening up, etc). - I know that even if it is going to be negative (ie negative feedback, etc), I have room for failing and learning and my manager will generally have my back. So I agree, there's no license to be spooky, but the broader context can be as important as the specific context.