Okay, it can be embarrassing, but is crying all that bad? Should leaders frown upon it?
I recently watched a short video (which I have posted below) developed by howdini.com. The so called guru being interviewed states that work is about facts, not feelings and that we should really work on separating the two. So I was thinking what the benefits of a workplace would look like that separated feelings from facts.
1. The first benefit has to be working with cold, thoughtless hard hearted people. Sign me up!
2. Creativity, passion and true engagement would be replaced with just getting the job done. Sounds like fun!
3. Honesty would rule. It would go something like this: “Julie, I just wanted to tell you, that dress you are wearing isn’t happening. It’s really ugly. Those are just the facts, nothing personal. But if you want to get places in this company you might want to stop wearing it!” Well at least you’re getting timely and honest feedback!
While we certainly don’t want to go around work as emotional wrecks, feelings are not only normal, but important in the workplace. We are emotional beings and those emotions not only help us identify when danger lurks, when we are being treated unfairly, when we need to ask clarifying questions for understanding, engage in creative thought and many other benefits, they also prevent us from saying things to others that might be hurtful. How can work not be about feelings?
And leaders have to learn how to effectively deal with the emotions of others, even crying. The best thing a leader can do is realize that crying and other types of visible feelings and emotions are only reactions, not the issue itself. And maybe this is what the “guru” being interviewed meant?
Leaders should be careful not to jump to the conclusion that crying and other visible emotions are a sign of weakness. We all deal with things differently.
Maybe you agree or disagree. Is crying in the office such a bad thing? And how have you dealt with it both as an employee and leader? Please post your comments below. I look forward to hearing how you “feel.”
Mike Rogers
http://www.secondg.net
Follow Mike on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/secondgleader
Join our Teamwork Group on Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/2232816/
