The Power of Emotional Reflection

As leaders, we often focus on strategy, metrics, and execution, and rightfully so. That stuff is important.

But what if I told you that the emotional tone you set could control your ability to drive change?

Emotional Reflection: the idea that people around you will mirror the emotional state you project.

And it's true. When someone acts angry at you, you will tend to feel anger. When you smile at someone, they smile back. We feel what others around us feel. Emotion is contagious.

It's not just psychology; it's the first level of leadership.

When you control your emotional state and behavior, through this principle, you control everyone's emotional state and behavior.

If you behave in the manner that generates calm and promotes listening, then others will seek that state when they interact with you.

Therefore, we must lead with kindness, empathy, and interest (active, full body listening).

When we do that, our people will tend to adopt those traits when in our presence which will make your communications land more easily and seem more compelling.

What leader doesn't need this?

Your behavior and emotion are contagious. This is why self control is the first discipline of a leader. If you cannot control yourself, you should not aim to control others.

I believe a thorough understanding of emotional reflection is the cornerstone of a leader's practice.

By consciously holding a beneficial emotional state and stance (you have to be genuine, but complaining and negativity aren't things you want to spread), you don't just manage other people's mindsets, but you also manage your own.

If you don't spread negative behaviors, your people won't reflect them to you.

A disciplined and positive stance doesn't just improve your ability to connect to, influence, and lead others. It actually helps your mental state and increases your resilience which improves your life and your effectiveness. It reduces conflict and improves relationships.

This is a critical skill and should be central to your leadership philosophy.