How your team is feeling is more important than what they’re accomplishing or saying.

Emotional state plays a big part in the workday. It’s up to you as a team lead to get a good read on how each individual team member is feeling.

Someone’s mood can be a leading indicator of a brewing or undiscussed issue. If someone is worried or annoyed, it could be a signal to you and the rest of the team that a problem is about to rear its head. Chances are they’re struggling with something.

Understand that work is frequently a small part of someone’s overall mood. You’ve got real people on your team with their own lives with sometimes complex issues including family, health, finance, romance - whatever! Be a force of good in this equation by paying attention and acting accordingly.