When Emotions Run High, Lead From Your Values

So far today, I've had several conversations with people who have expressed the full spectrum of emotions in response to President Trump's decisive win overnight.

Delight. Despair. Optimism. Anguish. Surprise Sadness. Dismay. Validation. Anger. Hope.

A more mature society begins with more mature individuals and the first person we need to focus on, is the one staring back at us in the mirror. So as emotions run high in the days ahead, we, as leaders - in our workplaces, our communities, and the world - must double down on being led by our values, not by our emotions.

Here are three ways you can begin:

1. Take a Higher Ground View

The more distraught, distracted, and preoccupied others feel, the more critical it is for you to keep a clear head and rise above the emotional fray. This doesn't imply that you are detached or don't care, but rather that you have a broader perspective that enables you to see beyond the immediate turbulence to what lies past the immediate horizon and help others elevate their sights.

2. Acknowledge Emotions, But Focus on What Needs to Get Done

Every emotion is valid, even if you don’t share it. When you feel differently from others, it’s even more essential to acknowledge their emotions while reminding them that you're there to serve your organization's "raison d'être". In times of uncertainty, people follow the certain. People around you want to be certain that you will lead with consistent values and shared purpose, not emotions that may change by the hour. 

3. Model Deliberate Calm and Optimism

Emotions are contagious and fear is the most contagious of them all. So when the world as people understand it feels fractured, people look to their leaders for cues for how they should respond. By leading with deliberate calm and optimism that the future holds much to be positive about - regardless of any election outcome - you inspire hope, cultivate courage and create space for others to process their emotions constructively and step forward more effectively. 

To paraphrase FDR, "the trajectory of America is forever upward.” As a global citizen, I believe this holds equally true for the world. 

There is a deep, deep, need for leaders who are committed to bridging divides, reinforcing a shared commitment to common values, and fostering workplaces—and a world—where everyone feels valued for who they are and has an opportunty to use their talents to grow, to contribute, and to thrive.  

Let's be that kind of leader. 

Margie

Dr Margie Warrell is a leadership advisor, speaker, and author committed to emboldening braver leadership for a better world. She's also a Senior Partner in the CEO Institute at Korn Ferry.