Myth: Emotions Are Weak in Business

We used to think that people were strong when they showed no emotions or “weaknesses”-as if people were flawless and never made mistakes. Now, we are in a different era, the Human Era, where we have nearly done a complete 180 from that old way of thinking.

In this Human Era, strong leaders are characterized as empathetic, understanding, and accountable.

Emotions allow people to try and understand how other people are feeling, and in order to create a collaborative team, it’s beneficial to build a foundation. Knowing more about coworkers is a strength instead of a weakness because it builds relationships and provides the opportunity to take a step back and look at a situation from their perspective. Considering what is affecting your colleagues’ work can help you choose what words to use when addressing them, consider what type of communication is most effective, and utilize your empathy to make the situation as productive and positive as you can.

Showing emotions also demands respect from others. It’s no easy task to demonstrate that you, too, have made a mistake or endured difficult times. By using those experiences to show people your whole self and provide points where others can relate to you (empathy), you reveal that you have been intentional about your decision to open up and share your story.