We spend lots of time trying to ignore or repress emotion and I argue we need to pay more attention. Minimally they are part of our biological make up and dramatically affect behavior. More important understanding emotions can lead to better behavior and results.
We all experience feelings like fear, trust,frustration, caring etc. We need to better understand how these affect our behavior and manage it better. There are both positive and negative implications. On one hand we need more support and efforts like hugging. On the other we need to recognize how anger happens and manage it better.
The most significant opportunity from emotions to be nice. Say please, thank you, and how are you. Many professionals like doctors are getting training in supporting and collaborating with staff and reducing the traditional autocratic networking. Pandemic and remote work have reduced some of the hugging and socializing that can contribute to teamwork and results.
Sharing experiences and background can also add to support and collaboration. I am from Chicago and many of us take great pride in supporting the city, our sports teams , our neighborhoods ,and even our food.
E-mail courtesy should be considered in our interactions. The rudeness and lack of consideration in many e-mails could be replaced with positive messages.
Critical emotions should not be ignored. However, they can be constructive, not personal and objective. In particular fact checking should be required. One of my favorite terms is the “F” word when it is used for events and not personalities . “Oh shoot” and “Shucks” just don’t, make it sometimes. The word can frequently reduce stress and frustration ant events around us.
In summary emptions are part of our behavior and need to be considered. Our goal should be to focus on positive emotions .
Related: 2023: Risk More, Win More