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How to embrace emotions at work | The Way We Work, a TED series
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How to embrace emotions at work | The Way We Work, a TED series

The Importance of Emotions in the Workplace

Understanding Emotional Expression at Work

  • Emotions are an integral part of being human, and it's a myth that they should be suppressed in professional settings. Research indicates that when colleagues show genuine emotions, it fosters connection and enhances performance.
  • There is a distinction between sharing feelings to build trust and oversharing, which can create discomfort. It's essential to maintain professionalism while being open about emotions.
  • Individuals fall on a spectrum of emotional expression: under-emoters struggle to express feelings, while over-emoters share excessively. Both extremes can lead to unhealthy workplace dynamics.

The Concept of Selective Vulnerability

  • Selective vulnerability involves opening up emotionally while ensuring stability and psychological safety for oneself and colleagues. This balance is crucial for a healthy work environment.
  • Anyone can learn selective vulnerability through practice. It starts with acknowledging your feelings without overwhelming others with excessive emotion.

Practical Steps for Emotional Expression

1. Flag Your Feelings

  • Non-verbal cues often reveal our emotions; thus, it's important to acknowledge them without going into detail. A simple statement like "I'm having a bad morning" can clarify your mood without burdening others.

2. Understand the Need Behind Your Emotion

  • Reflect on what triggers strong emotions at work—like anxiety from deadlines—and communicate those needs constructively to your team for support.

3. Empathy and Actionable Solutions

  • When noticing a colleague's distress, show empathy but also provide actionable suggestions that demonstrate care for their well-being, such as proposing adjustments in workload or meetings.

4. Honest Communication Leads to Retention

  • Being honest about feelings encourages openness within teams, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity, ultimately fostering long-term employee retention.

Reflection on Emotional Expression

Channel: TED
Video description

"You can't just flip a switch when you step into the office and turn your emotions off. Feeling feelings is part of being human," says author and illustrator Liz Fosslien. She shares why selective vulnerability is the key to bringing your authentic self to work. The Way We Work is a TED original video series where leaders and thinkers offer practical wisdom and insight into how we can adapt and thrive amid changing workplace conventions. Visit https://go.ted.com/thewaywework for more!