I would add in this context, there may be a difference of opinion between the direct manager and the upper manager on a) how much OP is capable of and b) whether OP will get flustered if they're expected to perform near the higher of the two estimates of their capability. The direct manager may have been shielding OP from the higher standards of the upper manager out of concern for their emotional wellbeing, even if they think they're capable of the higher standard of performance once brought to it gradually.
