Emotions aren’t just personal experiences – they’re contagious. They may feel very personal, but everyone can tell when others are happy or angry. Emotions can both guide and derail decision-making processes. Especially in group dynamics like workplaces, leaders significantly influence their team’s morale and productivity not just with their decisions but also with their emotional states.
Emotions and psychological safety are deeply intertwined, as the presence of psychological safety within a team or organization significantly influences the emotional states of its members, and vice versa. Psychological safety describes the concept where employees feel free and secure sharing ideas and concerns, without being judged or criticized. It is a dynamic concept that creates safe environments where vulnerabilities do not result in blame or embarrassment.
6 key principles about emotions
- Emotions shape decisions, actions and our well-being
- Emotions spread – this is called ‘emotional contagion’ and means that one’s person’s emotions can trigger similar emotions to others
- Positive emotions such as trust, respect and optimism contribute to a sense of psychological safety.
- Positive emotions foster collaboration, creative thinking and problem- solving
- Negative emotions can diminish motivation and engagement levels
- Chronic negative emotions can lead to stress and burnout
