Defensiveness lead to self sabotage

Dec 11 eve

Today 2 counseling session with my team.

First one was similar to the one on being sensitive and I got it sorted out.

The second one was a surprise.
I had another session with my second in command as I received negative feedback on him from my boss. When I told him the feedback, he said he already knew that there be negative feedback when he sent the mail but he doesn’t care. He said he is frustrated that others can’t ignore deadline whereas he has to comply. He also said that he felt he is being ‘set up’ by the said colleague, J as he email-looped the bosses.
I was surprised as his defensiveness and shocked at his rationale for his response. I asked him why did he send out the ‘wrong mail’ when he knows the outcome will be ‘bad’. He said that he feel he has done his best to provide support and if the team is not appreciative, he doesn’t care. I said his reaction is now similar with his staff that he complained about of being defensive and not open to change. He said he agreed but at least he didn’t complain or voiced his frustration like his staff and instead he would just resign once he has reached his limit. He said he knows he a good cake and so he need not be bothered about the frosting. I told him that approach is his downfall.
Alas I now know how and where I can support him.