“When Your Employee Feels Angry, Sad, or Dejected” by Christina Bradley

 Mon 24 June 2024

Support Your Employees’ Emotional Well-Being 

Knowing what to do or say when one of your employees is experiencing anger, sadness, or dejection can make a huge difference to their well-being, the quality of your relationship, and your team’s overall performance. Here are three ways to develop your ability to support all of your employees’ emotions.

(1) Identify your default behavior. 

Do you have a go-to response when someone expresses a negative emotion? If you do, you’re not alone. A common response is to jump into solution mode too quickly. Observe your instincts, and ask yourself if they’re really what’s needed in this context. Being more mindful can help you tailor your responses more effectively to each situation.

(2) Pay attention to your employee’s reactions.

 Did they seem grateful for your concern? Did they provide any feedback that could help you better respond to them or to others next time? What does their reaction tell you about their needs? Be curious and open to insights that could help you grow as a leader.

(3) Expand your repertoire. 

By observing how other people respond to emotions, you can incorporate their methods into your approach and build your own portfolio of options. You can also experiment with new techniques in everyday interactions, such as offering a smile to a sad stranger. These small practices build your emotional intelligence, preparing you to support your team when it truly matters.

This tip is adapted from “When Your Employee Feels Angry, Sad, or Dejected” by Christina Bradley and Lindy Greer