This blog is created for students in EDLE 5593, Leadership and Communication Processes at Midwestern State University. Course Professor is Martha Burger, Ed.D.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Strategy 3 - Integrate Emotions to Solve Problems
If you have not already posted your thoughts about Strategy 3 (either on this blog or your own), you can add them to this post as a comment.
I often wonder why we so often think we need to be stoic when it comes to dealing with others in a professional environment. Nearly always, it would be much easier and less stressful to know exactly how your openent is feeling and it would be easier and less stressful to express your own emotions. Aside from this, I have never considered the use of emotions to resolve conflict. On p 98 and 99 the authors show how to reframe emotional responses. This seems to be a good way to critically analyze the conflict and adjust strategies accordingly.
On page 76 the book states, "How we respond to our own powerful emotions affects our capacity to hear and respond to those of others, making us more or less available for relationships with people who express similar emotions."
As it also states, most professional workplaces have a policy of keeping your emotions "in check" while on the clock. The theory behind this is that it will limit conflict and increase productivity. While this may be somewhat true, it severely hinders professional growth by limiting potential professional relationships by those who share the shame feelings.
The next sentence after the above quote is as follows, "It is useful to think of emotions as teachers to be learned from, rather than as devils to be suppressed."
This struck home with me. I tend to lean towards being the one who normally keeps a level head and tries to ignore my emotions (with a few exceptions). After reading the above quote, I realized that I need to express my emotions more and let my opinions and feelings be known in order to learn more about myself and others.
These are both very astute observations. I think you have to learn when to reveal your "real" self and not hide behind a mask. As a principal I finally learned that there are times when you need to do that -- to be honest with the other person about your feelings, emotions, and frustrations. It lets them see you as human and opens the door to finding agreement.
I often wonder why we so often think we need to be stoic when it comes to dealing with others in a professional environment. Nearly always, it would be much easier and less stressful to know exactly how your openent is feeling and it would be easier and less stressful to express your own emotions. Aside from this, I have never considered the use of emotions to resolve conflict. On p 98 and 99 the authors show how to reframe emotional responses. This seems to be a good way to critically analyze the conflict and adjust strategies accordingly.
ReplyDeleteOn page 76 the book states, "How we respond to our own powerful emotions affects our capacity to hear and respond to those of others, making us more or less available for relationships with people who express similar emotions."
ReplyDeleteAs it also states, most professional workplaces have a policy of keeping your emotions "in check" while on the clock. The theory behind this is that it will limit conflict and increase productivity. While this may be somewhat true, it severely hinders professional growth by limiting potential professional relationships by those who share the shame feelings.
The next sentence after the above quote is as follows, "It is useful to think of emotions as teachers to be learned from, rather than as devils to be suppressed."
This struck home with me. I tend to lean towards being the one who normally keeps a level head and tries to ignore my emotions (with a few exceptions). After reading the above quote, I realized that I need to express my emotions more and let my opinions and feelings be known in order to learn more about myself and others.
These are both very astute observations. I think you have to learn when to reveal your "real" self and not hide behind a mask. As a principal I finally learned that there are times when you need to do that -- to be honest with the other person about your feelings, emotions, and frustrations. It lets them see you as human and opens the door to finding agreement.
ReplyDelete