Emotions

I get emotional when I see the joy of event attendees and customer satisfaction. In this case, events are associated with words that recall positive feelings such as magical, memorable, exciting, fun, unique, original, thrilling, etc…You will agree with me that the very outcome of an event is influenced by emotions.

Emotions have a fast track in our brain in guiding behaviour, they act even before the rational process. Emotions have a meaning and this affects what we feel and what we are going to do. Reactions to and interpretations of emotions, as well as emotions themselves, are subjective. That is why understanding them may be crucial. 

We generally think that “we should not feel fear, anxiety, anger…” and tend to inhibit them. Instead, these emotions need space, they need to be understood so that they can be funneled, mastered and transformed, then used in a positive way in performance. Thus, anger may become a source of creativity.

Performance anxiety as well – defined as a complex emotion – is an emotional reaction of fear and worry provoked by a situation perceived as threatening and dangerous or simply unwanted; if understood and managed correctly, it can become a trigger.

There was a time when we were required to leave emotions out of work and only deal with practical matters and results. Today, fortunately, the scenario has definitely changed; many studies now confirm that some aspects of emotional intelligence are predictive of effective performance. 

I have realised the strategic importance of being emotionally intelligent within the organisation, capable of managing my own and others’ emotions, attentive to what is happening in the relationship dynamics, and aware of the value of the non-verbal component of communication for effective and constructive management of employees.

When it comes to emotions and, even more, to managing them, it is certainly not easy; it requires vigilant and constant commitment and attention, but I am sure that the work and energy spent along these lines lead to great results and satisfaction, both personal and professional.