Many years ago, when I was a tiny HR Officer in my first job, the big BIG boss (the HR Director) called me for a meeting. I went from our Thane Factory to the swanky Head Office- a long bus ride of 2 hours. I reached his wood paneled office, anticipating an exciting new project perhaps. But instead he said, 'Seema has resigned!' I was shocked, because Seema was my subordinate, and I as her manager had no clue about it. Wait, there was a further jolt. "She told me in her exit interview she was very unhappy working for you". There wasn't much of a conversation beyond this.
I came out of his office, my ears red and my mind swirling. I was furious with her for having 'complained' about me behind my back, felt shame at my 'failure' as a leader and manager. I was convinced my career was jeopardized.