Emotions in the workplace

We often use the word “emotional” as if it’s a bad word, especially in the workplace. When people cry at their desks or explode in laughter in a meeting, they’re often immediately written off as being “unprofessional.” Why? Because emotions aren’t clear-cut, they make things seem messy.

We often talk about “passion” in technology.

We’re looking for a passionate software developer.

We believe that passion is contagious - bring it!

If you’re passionate about something and you work hard, then I think you will be successful.

But why don’t we talk about other emotions? Things like:

• Anger
• Fear
• Happiness
• Sadness
• Frustration
• Joy
• Trust
• Contempt
• Serenity
• Admiration
• Awe
• Amazement
• Boredom

Not to mention all the others, the mixes and variations?

My challenge to you is to think long and hard the next time you feel an emotion like that and you squash it rather than use it.

Why did you squash it inside? Why did you hold back?

Book credit: The Open Organization By Jim Whitehurst