"Thanks Suzanne!!! Once again you express so eloquently exactly what my stubborn thick head needed to hear today. I'm afraid I upset a co-worker this week. In my typical forget-the-niceties-get-to-the-point style, I asked that she handle a job that was somewhat new and quite probably one I had neglected to explain clearly enough. While I thought I was clear and to the point, she thought I was more like a raging bull. (Hmmm, quite possibly why a former employer let me know that my nickname 'T' is probably short for 'tactless.') I held the required meeting to explain the work and began with an apology, however, once the hurt is inflicted, it's tough to heal.

     Immediately after reading your "just a simple validation," I sent it to her with the message: Here is a 'high five' and a 'thank you' for doing such a great job.

     I hope in some small way this makes my co-worker feel better. She really does try hard and does a great job with the extra tasks I ask of her.

     A valuable lesson to remember. Thank you!"