Miscommunication

As a manager, I deal with miscommunication issues on almost a daily basis.
I would have to say the most severe case of miscommunication occurred when an employee called out of work due to the death of his grandfather. Rationally, I would think the employee would miss the following days he was scheduled to be with his family yet the following days he said he would not be in to work, he showed up only to lounge around.
As a manager, I questioned why he would call out of work, leave the crew shorthanded, and then show at work the very nights he said he would not come in. I communicated my viewpoint to my boss who in turn told the employee what I said (or rather what I did not say) and caused him to get very upset.
Instead of giving me the chance to tell the employee how I felt about the situation, she took it upon herself to tell him her own version. I know how delicate of a situation death came be so I understood the rage and anger he expressed when he found out. Once the employee calmed down, I took him to a quiet corner and we discussed the issue. I told him to tell me exactly how he felt and I told him exactly how I felt. Once we were able to see the situation from each other's point of view, we both came to an understanding and even laughed when it was all over.

I think this situation could have been prevented if we were able to have the discussion without others interfering.