Ethical leaders practice emotional intelligence (EI), which is the ability to understand, use, and manage their own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.
Being aware of unexpected changes in an employee’s performance and behavior is an important result of practicing EI. Things like mood changes, recent absenteeism, a lack of normal interest or level of engagement, and failure to follow through on routine assignments should be noted and addressed. If you care about your employees, you don’t let them slip without trying to understand why. In some cases, they may be burned out and might just need a break – extra time off, temporary re-assignment, or shifting of duties might be all that’s needed. In others, time might be catching up with them – this should be handled thoughtfully to avoid issues related to self-esteem and confidence. In any case, talk with them and listen to their concerns; if they’re hesitant to discuss this, you may also consider utilizing employee assistance resources. Either way, assure them your concern is genuine and not disciplinary. Time catches up with all of us – there’s no shame in that; be caring, not judgmental, when dealing with employees who are experiencing this. That’s the ethical and right way to deal with things like this today.
Nat King Coles (1919 –1965): American singer, jazz pianist, and actor. Cole started his career as a jazz pianist in the late 1930s and became the top-selling (and the only black act) on Capitol Records in the 1940s. Cole's trio was the model for small jazz ensembles that followed.
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