How do you help someone who’s having a bad day? It’s easy to get sucked into their story, in particular if you can relate.

A leader’s job is to help others succeed. Helping them, though, doesn’t mean every day will be a good day. Sometimes, their struggle has nothing to do with you or their work. Despite this, I want them to know I see their struggle.

Start by empathizing, “You seem to be having a bad day.” It’s a simple way to reach out and let them know you see, hear and care about them.

Then, I ask something like, “Is there some way I might support you.” Sometimes they say, “No.” Other times they start talking about the problem. Trust them to know what they need.

No matter what happens, though, even a small connection can go a long way to making someone’s day.

You’ve got this.