It’s understandable. We are scared of losing control, or looking bad, or making things harder than they already are. We don’t like drama or conflict. We need to focus on the work. All of those things are worth considering. It takes practice to use emotional energy constructively. (This may be my biggest understatement ever, but I’m trying to point out that it’s possible.)
Expecting people not to feel or show their emotions at work is crazy. As another friend, Paul Hebert, pointed out: “Why do we hire people then ask them to . . . wait for it. . . not be people?”
