One of our teams needs much more fixing than anyone else. This team has been around for 3 years and has never been fully autonomous. They often need outside help, though they do not lack specialized technical expertise. Other teams are able solve more difficult problems with less senior programmers. But it seems that they are unwilling to try. If they do not already know the answer they will not go looking for it. Often using the excuse that the fix does not exist or would be too hard to find.
Their manager refuses to accept any feedback on the team's problems and gets very defensive when it comes up. "Well, I asked other people about [bad behavior] and they do not think it is that bad." has landed in my inbox many times. I have always sent this feedback electronically to give myself time to filter out colorful remarks.
I have complained about this for years to middle management and never got a response. Tomorrow I have a meeting with this manager and the VP of engineering. I have a tense relationship with this manager and do not know the VP very well.
I just want the manager to acknowledge the problems and plan to improve. How should I prepare for this meeting? I want the VP to understand my concerns but I want to come across as professional and not angry. No agenda was published so I do not know exactly what will happen.