"Horrible Morning": The ripple effect of Leadership Emotions

Ever had one of those mornings? Coffee spills on your shirt, traffic is brutal, and you arrive at work already frustrated. As a leader, what happens next matters more than you might think.

During my years coaching C-suite executives, I've observed how a leader's emotional state creates ripples throughout their organization. That morning frustration? It can cascade through your team, affecting decisions, creativity, and performance.

The interesting part isn't that we have these moments - we all do. The difference lies in how we handle them. Top leaders understand that emotional intelligence isn't about never having bad moments; it's about managing them effectively.

Consider this:

• Your team takes emotional cues from you
• Decisions made in negative emotional states tend to be reactive rather than strategic
• One "horrible morning" can impact your organization's productivity for days

The solution isn't to suppress these feelings - that's neither healthy nor effective. Instead, successful leaders:

• Recognize their emotional state
• Take a moment to reset when needed
• Consciously choose the emotional tone they want to set
• Communicate transparently when they're not at their best

Remember: Your position as a leader means your emotions aren't just your own - they're a powerful force that shapes your organization's culture and performance.

What emotional tone are you setting today?

Ping me at [email protected] if you want some help uncovering your opportunities my book, which has an entire chapter about it