When life throws one of your employees a curve ball, as a manager, it’s in your best interest to help them feel safe, heard and supported.
· Be there. Even if you avoid feelings and emotions like the touchy-feely plague, don’t avoid the situation, which could just make matters worse.
· Just listen. Period. Sometimes that’s all they need.
Ask open-ended questions. Aim for “How are you?” vs. yes-no questions like “Is everything OK at home?”
Smile. Breathe. Rock on. You both got this.