The
Power
of
Emotional Contagion
Dear Spark Family,
Let’s talk about a significant life milestone that no one really prepares you for — dropping your kid off at college. Just two weeks ago, there I was, trying to act all calm and collected while moving my son, Simon, into his new dorm room at the University of Michigan. Inside though? I was an emotional mess. On one hand, I was bursting with pride and excitement for him, ready to cheer on this new chapter of his life. On the other, a deep sadness tugged at me while fighting back tears, knowing that this was a significant goodbye to his childhood (and thinking to myself… “Who’s going to remind him to do laundry now?!”)
As I stood there, trying to keep it together, I realized how much my emotions could influence his experience. If I let my grief take over, it could dampen his excitement. But if I showed too much enthusiasm, would it make him feel like he had to hide his own anxieties?
Then it hit me – this balancing act is leadership in a nutshell. Our emotions are like a soundtrack for our team. If we’re upbeat, they catch the rhythm. If we’re anxious, well, let’s just say the team starts to pick up on the off-notes. And just like with our kids, sometimes we have to be the ones who set the tone, even when we’re juggling a mixed bag (or tornado) of feelings.
Emotional Contagion 101
In the world of leadership, we’re often navigating this delicate dance of emotions. When we’re facing tough transitions or leading through uncertainty, our emotional state can spread like wildfire through the team. The question is, how do we ensure that what we’re spreading is constructive rather than destructive?
Here’s a thought: Embrace the duality. Acknowledge that it’s possible to feel multiple, often conflicting, emotions at once. By naming these emotions, we take the first step in controlling how they impact our team. Just like I did with Simon, leaders can choose to project the emotion that will best serve the team, while still honoring their own internal experience.
Ask Jackie:
Question: How do you manage your emotions when leading through stressful times?
Answer: Great question! It’s all about self-awareness. I make it a point to check in with myself regularly, recognizing when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed. From there, I can decide how to best channel those emotions in a way that’s constructive for the team. Don’t forget to lean on your support system — whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or even your team itself. Leadership is a journey meant to be shared!
🌟 Friendly Reminder: Emotional contagion is a powerful force in leadership. By embracing our own emotions and consciously choosing how to express them, we can lead with authenticity and positivity, even in the most challenging times. Remember, the emotions you project don’t just impact you—they ripple out to everyone around you.
Wishing you a week of emotional balance and inspired leadership!
Grateful for you,
Jackie
P.S – Got a leadership story or a meme that made you laugh? I’d love to hear it — send me a DM on Instagram!
