Thank you so much for taking the time to write me and help me with this thorny issue. I think you have some excellent suggestions for me to mull over. That you would take the time and do this for me is a mind-blower! I can’t thank you enough.

In a way, it’s been a blessing that she and my husband were gone this week. It’s given me more time to calm down and think about some things and not react in the moment (which could have been disastrous).

I thank you for the suggestion that I might keep her as office manager. I was coming close to sitting down with her (we are meeting this Tuesday) and letting her know that we have always run the business . That’s how our vendors and clients know me, with that “title.” Also, I think it conveys authority. However, I don’t think it is good practice, as a general rule, to take something away from an employee. Still thinking that one over . . .

Thanks also for your empathy, as you know first hand the pros and cons of having close friends and/or family work for you.

As I continue to think this over, I still need to find a way for her to respect my decisions and input. It still kind of irritates me that she had a meeting we both discussed specifically that was to include all of us – the first with 2 new hires.

The Animal Training letter was also very appropriate!

Sincerely,

OM/Boss