"One of the effects of a safe and civilized life is an immense over-sensitiveness which makes all the primary emotions somewhat disgusting. Generosity is as painful as meanness, gratitude as hateful as ingratitude."

-George Orwell
 

"A person buying ordinary products in a supermarket is in touch with his deepest emotions."

-John Kenneth Galbraith
 

"Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you.”

-Roger Ebert

"Great leaders move us.  They ignite our passion and inspire the best in us.  When we try to explain why they are so effective, we speak of strategy, vision or powerful ideas.  But the reality is much more primal: Great leadership works through the emotions."

-Daniel Golemen

June 2005 - Emotions at Work

Hello and welcome to the June e-briefing on Emotions at Work!

We are at an odd time for models of leadership at work.  Traditionally, we have thought of leadership in terms of strength, positional power and rational intellect.  These traits for leadership came into the corporate consciousness around the time of the industrial revolution.  While emotion has always played a part in the workplace, it is only in the last two decades that it has begun to be recognized and even actively engaged with.  But emotion in the workplace is present and having an impact, whether or not we know it or like it.

This month, we explore some practical approaches to emotions at work.  Emotion is a difficult domain for executive coaches.  Coaching is not therapy, nor is it meant to be; however both therapists and coaches often find themselves presented with he same raw material.  The fundamental difference is that a therapist will delve down, looking for the roots of emotions to encourage healing.  A coach on the other hand, looks for practical ways of engaging with emotion and understanding how to channel it or dissipate it as is appropriate.

We have a link to a fascinating interview with Peter Frost, author of Toxic Emotions at Work and a terrific coaching case on the impact of being clear.  In addition, this month we review Leadership and Self Deception from the Arbinger Institute.

As always, your comments, ideas and responses are welcomed at info@entelechypartners.com.

Cordially,

I. Barry Goldberg
Entelechy Partners

Emotions at Work: Tools for Understanding and Engaging

I. Barry Goldberg
Entelechy Partners

Like it or not, emotions have a major impact on productivity and effectiveness at work.  Trying to pretend that we can filter out feelings in the workplace is like going into a rainstorm with no umbrella.  You may tell yourself that it is not raining, but you will still get wet.  This article provides a framework for understanding the role of emotions and some very practical tools for working with everything from the deep-seated perception to the unanticipated emotional outburst.  So, take a deep breath and click the link below.

Read the whole story here

An interview with Peter Frost, author of Toxic Emotions at Work

Mallory Stark
HBS Working Knowledge

The link below with take you directly to this fascinating conversation with the man who understands the nature of emotional immaturity at work.  Frost is Professor of Organizational Behavior at the University of British Columbia

Read the article here.

The Leadership Bookshelf: Leadership and Self-Deception

The Arbinger Institute

My first response to this book was that it was yet another "business fable" written by academicians that was not true to what really happens in business, which shows how wrong a first impression can be.  This little book goes straight to the heart of how our emotional states impact our performance, and that of the organization.  Even if the story seems contrived, the direct connection between performance and state of mind is right on point and not to be missed. 

Read our review here.

Coaching Cases: If You Do Not Stand for Something, You Will Fall for Anything

The Chief Administration Officer engages with a coach hoping to get some tips.  Instead, he gets difficult feedback from his staff, a test of courage, and a $2 million immediate win for his company.

Read this month's case here.

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