Here is a process to help supervisors coach an employee through an emotional situation.

1.       Become aware of the employee’s emotion.

2.       Accept, label and acknowledge the emotion.

3.       Listen with empathy.

4.       Set limits for behavior; clarify actions that would be appropriate in the workplace.

5.       Help the employee identify goals (such as remaining employed, repairing a relationship).

6.       Explore options for handling the emotional situation.  

7.       Use the goals to evaluate each option:  will the option help the employee achieve his/her goals?

8.       Develop a strategy using a combination of the best options.

9.       Follow up with the person to see if the strategy is working.