Had to informally counsel my otherwise star employee. She had been short and cross with several (high-graded) folks in quick succession--including me over the phone. Out of character, so I had to have the conversation. About 15 minutes in, it was like the brick wall just fell on her--on her own realization, she realized she had committed a major faux pas (I was dancing, hoping it would dawn on her, and we could get on with things) and broke down. In the big scheme of things, not a big thing that happened, she just needed to be aware of it and not repeat the behavior. Was at first happy to see comprehension across her face, but then the tears started. Oh, wasn't pleasent.
Note to self--get kleenex for the office.
I was almost in your position. The mistake made at work was easily avoidable, but they ignored those easy to overlook mistakes, so I had to go in this morning and fix them. When they called me last night and told me, I was tempted to give them a military-style dressing-down. I decidided to lay off and give them the loving uncle bit instead, which I found worked better, though I still have to fuss at my boss, because it turns out she ordered these clowns to assemble this piece, which they had no qualification for. She, of all people, should have known better...
Is something else going on with her??
My husband supervises more women than men, and it's not easy for him...too much emotion, non-logical thinking, "issues"...I'm a traitor to my sex, LOL!