So this is why I never wanted employees:  I hate giving criticism and probably didn't do it well when I was managing people at other agencies.  Caroline Webb's article (published in Fast Company) is a great read for managers (and parents and people in general). I've been on the receiving end of the "praise sandwich" and it's tough going down.  Really like the part about being specific in your praise.  We absorb so much negative and some of us are programmed to hear the negative and tune out the positive. You really can't give enough specific praise.