William!

A great, thought-provoking post!  “Emotions in the workplace” is a tough subject for me as well.  In my entire career the unspoken rule has been to keep emotions in check, keep it together, and show strength/control by being emotionally absent.  Being too happy, too sad, too angry, or too vocal is seen as “too much” and not appropriate.  At least this is the message I have received, and this for both men and woman.

Some questions that I have been exploring: Should there be a difference in how we exhibit emotions in a professional context versus a personal context? In other words, should we exhibit the same emotions at work as we do at home? Should we start breaking down these silos?

I love this and I quote: "As long as an expression of ANY emotion does not genuinely diminish the efficacy of your leadership, then be who you are. It is that authenticity that will make you a better leader." A GREAT guiding principle!
And Jane's comment: "Emotions have a very real and needed place in the work place." I agree!

As leaders, I think the question is not whether to be emotional, but rather to encourage emotion, and to encourage people to be real and authentic in their communications and actions.  This is what makes a workplace a great place to work, and a leader a great person to follow!

Sonia