I am working with an executive whose company has recently undergone an organizational re-structure.  After 2 years of working in a position with no direct-reports, he now is managing 21 field-based sales professionals.  This has created a significant shift in where, how, and when he places his finite amount of energy on any given day.   He is frustrated by the level of 'emotional energy' that is at play in his multiple daily interactions with his new team, saying 'it's like managing a bunch of 3rd graders'.  

To be a truly effective leader, you not only have to be aware of your own emotional make up, but you need to be conscious of how the emotions of those you are leading may be impacting their own work performance and interactions. Becoming aware of these emotions is an essential part of learning to respond, not react, to them

There are four core "negative" emotions - fear, anger, guilt, and sadness/grief. Most of the time, these emotions don't make us feel very good.  Some people react by burying and denying the negative emotion, some lash out at others, some withdraw into themselves - in any case, for most people, this type of emotion is something they try to avoid.

It is helpful to think of these emotions as being signals for you, blinking yellow lights telling you to slow down and figure out the message that they're sending you. 

Let's look at the four core "negative" emotions and what they might be trying to tell you.

Fear is a means of self-protection, and also, a way to find out what you truly value. When you're afraid, look at what you fear losing, and you'll learn about your values, as well as the attachments you have in life. 
 
Anger is born out of love of self or others.  When you're angry, it's because you feel that someone or something is somehow a threat to yourself or someone or something you love or value. 
 
Guilt helps you decide who you are.  You feel guilty when you say or do something that goes against who you want to be, or who you think you should be.


Sadness and grief help you remember your vulnerability in this world. They keep things in perspective and give you the opportunity to grow.
 
As a leader, be diligent in the coming days to be aware of when you are interacting with someone whose behavior or actions may be the result of one or more of the above four emotions.   Then, instead of simply reacting....try responding to what might really be going on.  See how that impacts your ability to lead through the situation.  
 
 

Looking forward to our next time,

Mike Malinchok, CPC 

President 

S2K Consulting, LLC

ph:  215-504-7091

email: mmalinchok@verizon.net
www.s2konpurpose.com