There are similarities between academic and career issues, as I’ve found being a parent, an educator, and a manager. One common issue is knowing when to intervene with a student or a subordinate. It’s important to recognize the possible early warning signs that we can observe:
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating or showing signs of sleepiness (eg., slow responses, low energy, dropping off during a meeting)
- Over-reaction or hypersensitivity to comments or situations
- Ongoing complains about the teacher or supervisor
- Forgetting to do assignments
- Skipping classes, being absent from work, and/or missing tutoring/coaching sessions or meetings
- Refusal to talk about problems or concerns
- Difficulty getting along with roommates, classmates, or co-workers
- Missed deadlines or failure to keep commitments
These signs are especially meaningful if the student or employee were to display two or more at a time. The first step is talking directly to the student or employee. The issue may be short-term or easily addressed. If not, parents who observe these behaviors in their son or daughter can contact the school’s Counseling Department or Parents Resource page on the college’s website for additional support. In the workplace, managers can turn to the Human Resources Department and/or company Employee Assistance Program for guidance. The most important thing is not to ignore the warning signs. Taking early, informed action is the best way to nurture and support those who need our assistance.