Dear Lily:

Regarding the work part of your recent post: the meeting with the two managers and employees was an excellent initiative so to resolve A’s complaints about B not doing enough. But notice: two managers led that meeting, it was their job to do so, not yours. I mean, you are not one of the managers.

You did well standing up for B when the manager asked you the question, your answer was excellent.

Overall, I think that you communicated well with all involved, but I understand the lingering doubts regardless of what I perceive to be an excellent inter-personal performance on your parts (communicating well with A, with B and with the managers). Over time with continued practice, your doubts will get weaker, and your confidence will grow more and more.

If and when A approaches you, complaining about B (and she shouldn’t, she should approach a manager instead), tell her that you like her and that you like B as well, and that you sure hope both get along better with each other. You can also repeat part of what she will tell you, for example, if she complains about being too tired, doing more than her share of work, and that B is not doing enough, you can repeat to her what she told you (not including the complaint about B)in an empathetic tone of voice: you feel tired because you work so much.

On the matter of the exercise class: I too am glad that you  passed the courage test and talked to the trainer, and I am pleased that she reacted kindly to you.

Back to the work situation: I don’t see that you did or said anything wrong to anyone, so I have no other recommendation than what I wrote to you above. I hope you enjoy your drawing!

anita