Keeping a cool head at work is important for decision making and team cohesion, but it can have an unintended drawback: Your calm professional persona may be so rigid that you forget to be yourself or show your emotions. As a leader, it’s hard to generate enthusiasm among your direct reports if you always wear a serious face. Next time you prepare for an important speech or meeting, think about the emotional takeaway you want to impart to your employees. Then choose words that match your emotional tone. If you want your team to feel confident, for example, say you are “proud” and their ideas are “powerful.” Or if your team is facing a tight deadline, tell them the task is “critical” and you’re “eager” to meet the opportunity so that your organization won’t “miss out.” Without emotional language, your message may fall flat, so be forthcoming about how you feel — a leader’s emotions are contagious. If you project excitement or encouragement, your team will pick up on your energy.
Adapted from "New Managers Shouldn't Be Afraid to Express Their Emotions," by Kristi Hedges
