Ethan Kross: How To Manage Your Emotions So They Don’t Manage You
Dec 13, 2024
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Ethan Kross, a renowned psychologist and University of Michigan professor, returns to discuss his upcoming book, 'Shift.' He delves into the crucial role emotions play in leadership, revealing how they can inform decision-making rather than obstruct it. Listeners gain insights on debunking myths about emotional avoidance and discover practical tools for emotional resilience. Kross shares innovative tips for enhancing emotional intelligence and stresses the importance of building stronger team dynamics through effective emotional management.
Understanding emotions as vital sources of information enhances leadership effectiveness and guides decision-making within teams.
Implementing practical strategies for emotional management empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges and improve overall well-being.
Deep dives
The Power of Relationships in Leadership
True leadership extends beyond mere task completion; it fundamentally revolves around building strong relationships. A leader's ability to connect with team members on a personal level can significantly enhance the effectiveness of teamwork and problem-solving. This insight was catalyzed by a seasoned leader who, during a business meeting, prioritized a personal conversation over a strict agenda, demonstrating that valuing individuals fosters a conducive environment for collaboration. Consequently, prioritizing relationships can unlock untapped potential within teams, enhancing overall performance and satisfaction.
Understanding and Managing Emotions
Effectively managing emotions is crucial to overall well-being and success in various life domains. Research indicates that our emotional states significantly impact performance, relationships, and physical health, yet many lack formal training in emotional regulation. The real challenge lies in both the understanding of emotions and the practical tools to manage them, as individuals often underestimate their capacity to respond to emotional stimuli. By identifying effective strategies for emotional management, individuals can navigate life's challenges with greater resilience.
The Role of Culture in Emotional Well-being
Organizational culture plays a vital role in shaping emotional well-being and regulation. Leaders have the opportunity to create a supportive culture that values emotional health by openly discussing practices related to emotional regulation and promoting tools that can help manage emotions. Establishing norms within the organization allows employees to feel supported in their emotional struggles and encourages the sharing of beneficial tools. This cultural aspect is essential for fostering an environment where individuals feel equipped to handle emotional challenges effectively.
Practical Tools for Emotional Regulation
There are numerous practical tools and strategies available for managing emotions that individuals can readily implement. Internal strategies include sensory engagement, reframing situations, and adjusting focus, while external strategies can be utilized for added support and guidance. For instance, sensory experiences like listening to music can serve as immediate emotional lifts, while reframing involves shifting one's perspective on a situation to facilitate better emotional control. Ultimately, adopting a mix of these tools can empower individuals to effectively navigate their emotional landscapes and improve their overall quality of life.
We’re thrilled to have Ethan Kross accept our invitation to join us for a second time, & to discuss his highly anticipated new book, Shift: Managing Your Emotions-So They Don’t Manage You. (Publishes February 2025).
If you’re a regular listener to our show, you’ll recall Ethan’s previous appearance when we discussed his bestselling book, Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It. Amazon named it one of its best books of 2021.
Ethan Kross is a renowned psychologist and professor at the University of Michigan, whose research focuses on the conscious mind and strategies for controlling thoughts and emotions. In Chatter, he provided invaluable guidance on transforming our inner critic into an inner coach. His new book takes this further by delving deep into the realm of emotions, offering new frameworks and practical tools for understanding and managing them effectively.
In this episode, we explore:
The Role of Emotions in Leadership: How emotions are not just obstacles but vital sources of information that can guide decision-making.
Debunking Myths: Challenging the idea that avoiding emotions is always harmful, and showing how strategic emotional management can actually enhance our leadership effectiveness.
Leveraging Relationships: Understanding the emotional dynamics within our teams and using these insights to build stronger, more cohesive units.
New Insights On Emotional Intelligence: Techniques for shifting perspective, managing attention, and fostering EQ in leadership.
Ethan’s insights are particularly relevant to our community’s mission of leading with heart and empathy. By mastering our own emotions, we can become better leaders, create more inclusive environments, and drive positive change.
While many of our previous guests have been kind and thoughtful – and brilliant, as you’ll hear, Ethan’s greatly embodies all three of these traits.