For example, what may seem to be chronic moroseness and sloppy work may actually result from clinical depression, and the lab member so afflicted might be the last person to recognize it. That person's life and work, as well as the goals and morale of the entire lab, might be affected, and it's the responsibility of the PI to guide him or her to seek the medical advice.
How each PI communicates scientifically and personally with lab workers depends on individual style, and there is no right or wrong. Some bosses simply enjoy personal interaction, and have an easy rapport with people, while others feel more comfortable with stricter boundaries between the personal and professional, interacting only on a scientific level. Every PI should set his or her own predictable standard of what is professional and what is personal, so that everyone can understand the boundaries. When expectations are clear, ...
