We’d like to think that the relationship between manager and employee is very transactional. The employee does the required work, and the manager pays them. Then everybody goes home and has their Real Life.

But we’re all human. We have ups and downs, triumphs and challenges.

In the work setting, we like to ignore all that. It’s just about “doing the work”. If we were all automatons, that might make it even easier. But there’s so much more.

I’ve been having discussions recently about mental health. This is a huge issue in our community, in our state, in our country, and in the whole world.

By saying that, though, it becomes intractable and I’m tempted to just give up. The real question is: What can I do at the personal level?

I can treat people with the love, respect and forgiveness that I want others to show me.

Maybe it’s how I support others on social media. Or being WITH my family every day. Or treating employees and partners with compassion, getting past the work tasks.

A common American greeting is, “How are you?” – but it’s not really the start to a conversation. Usually it’s just acknowledging that the other person exists, which is why the standard response is “fine” whether you feel that way or not.

Instead, we should seek to listen and empathize. So the real question is, “How are you doing, really?” – followed by actually listening and responding to the answer.

How are YOU doing? Really?