Being intentional with emotions!

The Guest House, Jalaluddin Rumi

I recently shared the "The Guest House" with a group of trainees . It is a lovely poem by the 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic, Jalaluddin Rumi. The poem is often interpreted as a metaphor for the human experience of welcoming all emotions and experiences as guests in one's life.

 In terms of leaderlike behaviors, the poem can be read as a reminder that leaders must be open to all experiences and emotions, both positive and negative, in order to fully understand and connect with their followers. By welcoming all guests into their "house," or their leadership role, leaders can create an environment of acceptance and inclusivity.

It suggests that we need to be intentional with our responses to our emotions.

 Additionally, the poem suggests that leaders must be able to let go of their guests when it is time for them to leave, indicating the importance of adaptability and flexibility

in leadership. By recognizing that all experiences are temporary and impermanent, leaders can remain grounded and focused on their ultimate goals and objectives.

For me, "The Guest House" serves as a powerful and poignant

reminder for leaders to embrace all aspects of the human experience and to lead with empathy, acceptance, and adaptability.

 Being intentional with emotions is an essential aspect of leaderlike behavior. As a leader, emotions can be a powerful tool to connect with your team, inspire action, and create a positive workplace culture. However, emotions can also have negative consequences if they are not managed appropriately.

Intentionality with emotions involves being aware of your own emotions and how they impact others. It also involves being mindful of the emotions of those around you and responding in a way that is appropriate and empathetic. A leader who is intentional with their emotions can create a safe and supportive environment for their team to work in, where everyone feels valued and heard. It is the LeaderLike approach.

Being intentional with emotions also means avoiding emotional reactions that can be destructive to relationships and team dynamics. For example, reacting in anger or frustration may lead to short-term results, but in the long run, it can damage trust and respect among team members.

Furthermore, intentionality with emotions requires a deep understanding of how emotions impact decision-making. Leaders who can separate their emotions from their decisions can make more objective and effective choices. However, this does not mean that emotions should be ignored or suppressed. Rather, leaders should acknowledge their emotions and use them as a tool to create a positive workplace culture.

In summary, being intentional with emotions is crucial for leaders to build strong relationships with their team, create a positive workplace culture, and make effective decisions. It requires self-awareness, empathy, and a deep understanding of the impact of emotions on team dynamics.

Think about it :

• How do you deal with emotions in your role as leader?
• Do you check in with yourself periodically?
• How do you adjust yourself if the signals indicate that you are less intentional than you should be?

Be leaderlike, conscious responses instead of unconscious reactions.

Translated by Coleman Barks

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.