If a higher level manager of an organization, whom you worked for, wrote a recommendation like "this person may be the best employee I ever had" about another one of their employees on a public, online career network - would you wonder where you rank with this higher level manager since the other person is the best they ever had?
I know a person that wrote this about one of their employees. I don't work at this place, but this same manager offered me a position recently, so they do have good taste. :) Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right for me to accept the job offer. I'm wondering what other employees would think/feel since they aren't 'the best'.
I know the manager and employee recommended are very close and have a lot of history, so there is much admiration there.
To be considered 'the best' would be quite a complement!
Typically when someone is "the best" it is recognized by many if not all co workers. There may be resentment among the group but typically it is understood. So, as the employee I would not feel anything other than how do I replace that person with myself?
My favorite review on LinkedIn is one where my former co-worker said that he would "go to war with me at his side." Is there any greater compliment? I like that better than if he had said I was "the best" person he ever worked with, because all in one phrase it conveys that I am loyal, capable, aggressive and hard working (which are good traits to have in my industry). When I write reviews for people I really admire, I try to shy away from saying they are "the best" unless I'm also going to follow that up with specifics: "one of the best I've worked with in vendor management; he commands the respect of his vendors through accurate communication and attention to contractual details" says a lot more than "may be the best employee I ever had." Know what I mean? But no, generally I don't wonder where I rank in my manager's mind, because I already know. When you work with a superstar, you know it. Ideally, you emulate them and surpass them, and become the best yourself. ;)
It is a letter of reference.
The purpose of which is to help a valued employee attain another position. By its nature, a letter of reference is supposed to say good things.
I would not take it as a personal affront.
I don't entirely understand your question.
I think if someone was "the best" employee someone ever had, then they deserve the compliment. I wouldn't wonder where I ranked, I'd assume I ranked lower in their estimation than that other person.
It all sounds good to me.
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