Whether we’re more heart on sleeve or more poker-faced, or anywhere in between, we may move through life and especially work assuming our moods are managed, our emotions under our control, perhaps not on display and not affecting others. On occasion we might inquire of our human selves whether that’s really true.
Imagine asking your colleagues – boss, peers, direct reports – if they can name your mood each day. Imagine if they were placing a Post-it on your back identifying that mood and, potentially, warning others to steer clear.
The thing is even for the most contained others can read our moods. There may be no obvious signs that things are a bit off yet others can feel a difference/variation from the norm in our energy.
When we’re in a leadership role our emotional state has a disproportionate impact on others. Bad moods, negative emotions, likely affect their attention drawing it to us and our reactions rather than their work. It might defer conversations that need to happen. How we communicate will be affected.
Our changing emotions are part of being human. Being aware of our emotional state and becoming skilful at managing it helps not just us but those around us. It helps build the psychological safety in which people speak freely and without fear, and in which people feel safe to stretch into their best work.
Now, what’s your Post-it saying right now and how does that make you feel?