DEAR ABBY: One of my employees is applying to get her MBA and has asked me to write a letter of recommendation for graduate school. Her performance at work has been acceptable but not outstanding, and I don't feel comfortable writing a "glowing" letter about her.
I know how important recommendations are, and I don't want to hurt her chances of pursuing her dream. How can I tactfully decline? -- HONEST BOSS IN COLORADO
DEAR HONEST BOSS: Invite the employee into your office. Praise her for her fine qualities and tell her where there is room for improvement. Say that you honestly cannot write a "glowing" recommendation and must decline because you don't want to spoil her chances of being accepted. It's the kindest way to handle a potentially ego-damaging situation.