Written by: Cedrick Valrie on October 27, 2013

In much astonishment to some people, as humans, we are meant for relationships. Be it a spouse, brother, sister, mother, father, coworker, or a stranger we have yet to get to know, we hold the influence to make the relationship healthier or weaker. One characteristic in human interaction to maintain balance is emotions. Emotions are pivotal in all relationships. They can be interpreted through sounds like slamming a door or a pen down on a desk, heavy breathing, voice octaves, or without using a single word. In his book, The Leadership Mystique, Manfred Kets De Vries expresses that, like within a mirror, “our moods – good or bad, extreme or moderate – give the world a glimpse of the person within” (37).

In the movie, What About Bob?, Bill Murray plays a highly manipulative obsessive-compulsive patient who tracks down his psychiatrist during a family vacation[1]. After multiple unsuccessful, painstaking sessions, the psychiatrist simply wants to “off” his crazy client. Finally, during what would be one of the final sessions, the doctor tells the client that his inner man is in knots and needs to be untangled to move forward. In doing life with others in the workplace, we must be aware of what knots we are bringing into an organization from another. This can be said about personal matters too.  A balance awareness of our own temperament and emotional stability makes for a healthier work environment. Emotional stability and the right temperament matter at all times amongst coworkers, superiors, and personal work responsibilities. We must remain in touch get to know our own emotions in order to know ourselves or (know thyself).

Not only is being in-tuned with one’s personal emotions is a good practice, it also beneficial may even be a better practice to recognize and deal with the emotions of colleagues too.

People in every organization tend to display a myriad of emotions from day to day. Issues with transitions, finances, personnel, maintenance, customers, public relations can be enough to keep everyone on edge. When emotions are running high in an organization, empathy along with understanding can play a vital role in balancing the atmosphere. When people feel understood in the workplace, there is usually a tendency to enjoy their work and be more productive. When organizational realize and relate to the human side of employees, the relationship becomes a more transformation and less of a transaction. A transformational leader sees the person and gets to know them. A transactional leader only cares about the numbers. Employees will care as much or as less about their organization based on their experiences and what is modeled by the leadership.

Balancing personal emotions and recognizing the emotions of others in an organization may seem like a daunting task but it is possible and necessary. The morale, trust, and community within any organization is only as strong as the people within it. Emotions give the world, co-workers, and potential customers a glimpse of the person within. What picture are your emotions painting for others right now?

About the Author

Cedrick Valrie