– By Andrew B Morris
Andrew B Morris
Today’s executives, particularly blokes, find it difficult to talk about their feelings, especially at work. Asked how we’re feeling, we’d be surprised and off guard, and uncomfortably respond with a mumble of “…fine” “…ok or “…good.”
Our emotions take dominance in our decision-making over our rational brain. Once we’ve collated all the data and research, calculated the budget and prepared the plan, our final decision to proceed or delay will be based upon one key emotion:
CONFIDENCE
So it’s surprising that we don’t get into the habit of asking how we’re feeling rather more often. Here’s a powerful way to check morale and mood. At the start of a meeting, ask everyone to say how they are feeling, and why, banning the words, “Fine, OK, or Good.”
Here’s an example:
I’m feeling concerned because we’re behind budget for the third month in a row.”
I’m feeling excited because our new supplier has improved our margin by 7%.”
“I’m feeling frustrated because it’s taking too long to introduce the new sales software across the company.”
This process will reveal what’s really going on under the surface and show whether there is a confidence problem that needs confronting. We focus on tasks and actions, not what’s behind them.
How we are being can be as important as what we are doing. After all, we are human beings and not human doings.
About Andrew Morris
Andrew is Chief Executive of the Academy for Chief Executives, helping businesses to accelerate growth through better leadership. As part of this role he chairs and mentors a group of exclusive central London Business Leaders in Academy Group 1.
Andrew describes himself as a creative businessman, who enjoys meeting people from all facets of life. His mantra is ‘take your job seriously, but not yourself.’
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