Maybe so, but I need some. Today I had to "have a talk" with one of the students at work. I sort of oversee 8 or so college students in the computer lab, and lately I've been too busy to make myself check up on them much. Well, today one of them came into my office and told me they were all fed up with one of the new guys, basically not doing anything all day. So I summoned up all of my courage and (once I finally tracked him down 2 hours later), tried to somewhat gently tell him to let one of us engineers know whenever he runs out of work. This kid is pretty defensive all the time (over any little pointer you try to give him). He gave me a whole string of "reasons", so I told him I'd heard from several sources that he wasn't being very productive (it turns out all the shop guys have seen the same thing). My heart was racing, I totally lost my train of thought - I really am terrible at this. I ended up so flustered, I'm not sure how I came across. I can only think of the right things to say after the fact - totally can't think on my feet. Anyway, it was really really scarey.

I am sooo glad that is over. I'm afraid next I'll have to confront him over his arrogance issues (which I suspect are actually low self esteem). Hopefully it won't come to that, but it will have to if he's going to keep working there.

I definitely see this as one of my bigger issues - avoidance is so much easier. I'd rather climb in a hole than confront anyone.