Let’s discuss: are emotions necessary in the work of a leader? Or should a real strong leader be unemotional? And if so, what are they?
What do you think?
In my opinion, emotions are needed. Moreover, they are very important both for the work of the leader and for life. I am for making emotions my allies and using them consciously and for their intended purpose.
The fact is that our ability to think and emotion are inextricably linked. And, in reverse. That is, the stronger the emotions, the less you can think now. And vice versa. Yes, thinking emotionally is a challenge. You must have noticed: when emotions are running high, it is difficult to reason logically. And we make decisions .. strange.
Another feature: positive or negative emotions affect the ability to think in the same way. That is, both in a state of strong aggression and in a state of great happiness, the process of thinking slows down. Or completely absent.
How it looks like in reality:
- At the negotiations, the conversation did not go as you expected, you got nervous — and you could not come up with a new solution.
- Your subordinate pissed you off and you, instead of thinking about the project, came to your senses for an hour. Time is lost.
If you look from this point of view, then it is much more useful for the leader to remain calm in any situation. And act sensibly and prudently.
To develop such a skill, there is an excellent exercise «Quiet Presence». The main essence: you leave only two parts collected and concentrated in the body: the spine and the eyes. The rest is to relax as much as possible. Including face. And watch the world from a relaxed body. Our emotions live in the clamps of the body. We relaxed the body, removed the clamps — brought emotions to zero. And train. So that you can easily enter into such a state when you need to.
However, imagine that you are already holding «Calm Presence» lightly. And this is the only way you communicate with colleagues, employees, and family. What will happen? Yes, you will be reasonable and reasonable. At the same time, others around you will be … cold. And here it is desirable to “turn on” emotions. Those who will help you in a situation. work for you. Can you launch yourself when you need it, benevolence or interest? And show concern, irritation and even anger? Sami. As they say, «under the task.» Can you? If yes, congratulations! You have good emotional competence.
So far, is this a prospect for you? Then it’s worth investing in. There is a large layer of managerial resources in the emotion management zone.
I hope that after reading this article you still have questions. Maybe even new ones. People often ask: “How does it “turn on” emotions? Then they will be unnatural. Natural emotions turn on themselves!” “What do you mean, “turn off” emotions. Where can I get this button that turns them off?
It’s good that there are questions. There is something to think about.
At work sessions in the «Distance» format, we practice effective emotional habits. And already at the “Winners” training, participants notice the result: in stressful situations, it becomes easier to think, and there are fewer experiences. And most importantly, in life there are more conscious decisions and fewer random ones.
Leaders are becoming stronger and more resourceful. In my opinion, this is a good result!
Do you agree?