emotional displays

Emotional Contagion

Emotional Contagion | Dr. Will Ramey

Emotional Contagion | Dr. Will Ramey 800 600 OnTheStacks

Emotional Contagion

Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics by Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

The Ripple Effect of Emotions – Understanding Emotional Contagion

In the captivating world of human emotions, there exists a fascinating phenomenon known as emotional contagion. Drawing from the research of Sigal Barsade, today we embark on a journey to explore this intriguing concept. Join me as we unravel the dynamics of emotional contagion, its profound impact on individuals and teams, and strategies to harness its power for positive outcomes.

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Sigal Barsade’s Research: The Science of Emotional Contagion

Sigal Barsade’s pioneering research sheds light on the contagious nature of emotions. Her work reveals that emotions are not confined to individuals but can spread like wildfire within groups and organizations. Let’s delve into how emotional contagion works and its implications.

Emotional Contagion: The Domino Effect of Emotions

Emotional contagion is the phenomenon where one person’s emotions and related behaviors trigger similar emotional responses in others. It’s like a ripple effect, where the emotional state of one person spreads to those around them, influencing attitudes, actions, and group dynamics. As a leader, your awareness of your emotions and related actions plays a role in the overall wellbeing of your team.

Key Aspects of Emotional Contagion:
  1. Mirror Neurons: Mirror neurons in the brain play a crucial role in emotional contagion. They enable individuals to imitate and “mirror” the emotions and behaviors of others.
  2. Positive and Negative Contagion: Emotional contagion can be both positive and negative. Joy, enthusiasm, and optimism can spread just as easily as stress, anxiety, or frustration.
Strategies for Harnessing Emotional Contagion:
  1. Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Practice emotionally intelligent communication by actively listening, validating feelings, and providing constructive feedback. Be aware of your own mood and employ technics to stay in the positive.
  2. Cultivate a Positive Culture: Foster a positive organizational culture where gratitude, recognition, and appreciation are encouraged. Positive emotions are more likely to spread in such an environment.
  3. Manage Negative Emotions: When negative emotions arise, address them promptly and constructively. Provide resources for managing stress and encourage open dialogue.
Benefits of Emotional Contagion:
  1. Enhanced Team Dynamics: Positive emotional contagion can strengthen team cohesion and cooperation, leading to improved group performance.
  2. Increased Motivation: A team that experiences the positive emotions of enthusiasm and inspiration is more likely to be motivated and committed to its goals.
  3. Stress Reduction: Strategies for managing negative emotional contagion can reduce stress and prevent its detrimental effects on individuals and teams.
Harnessing the Power of Emotional Contagion:

Sigal Barsade’s research on emotional contagion highlights the remarkable influence of emotions within groups and organizations. By understanding how emotions can spread, we can harness this power for positive outcomes, such as enhanced teamwork, motivation, and stress reduction.

Let’s embark on a journey of emotional contagion awareness. As we lead by example, practice emotionally intelligent communication, and cultivate positive cultures, we’ll witness the transformative impact of emotions on our teams and organizations. Together, we’ll shape a future where emotional contagion becomes a force for inspiration, collaboration, and collective success.

Let’s Work Together:

Do you want to strengthen your self-awareness, self-assuredness, and leadership presence? Let’s talk! I coach leaders so that you can achieve your professional and personal goals. Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Are you a business owner or employee that is interested in strengthening your team effectiveness? I provide curated team development workshops using creative approaches to increase learning retention. Reach out at will@onthestacks.com or checkout my website: Will Ramey Leadership & Team Dynamic Workshop

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Impact of Emotional Displays

Emotional Displays with Purpose | Dr. Will Ramey

Emotional Displays with Purpose | Dr. Will Ramey 800 600 OnTheStacks
Impact of Emotional Displays
Research Backed Approaches to Leadership and Team Dynamics with Dr. Will Ramey, The Leadership Dr.

Have you ever thought about how your emotional displays impact your team’s behavior? Well, it turns out that your emotions play a significant role in your followers’ organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). We share how to put your emotional intelligence into action and impact your team’s willingness to take on tasks outside of their job description.

Your Team is Watching

About seven years ago I finally came to a realization. I always knew and learned that how you behave as a leader matters. It makes a difference in your day. Fundamentally I understood that when you hold a formal leadership position in an organization, you have an inherent responsibility to model positive behavior. We all understand that, comprehend it, but what does it look like, how can you practice it, and put your emotional displays to work. Early in my leadership journey I would wear my emotions on my sleeve. All of the positive emotion and negative emotion would come out and be on display. I’d go home exhausted. The amount of pivots in my day, the ups and downs wore on me. Gaining an understanding of how my emotional displays, both positive and negative, impacted my team opened my eyes. Learning to harness my emotions and engage my emotional intelligence, has helped me, as well as, my team become more effective and go above and beyond.

What is OCB?

If you’re not familiar with the term, organizational citizenship behavior, or OCB, refers to the discretionary actions that employees take to improve the overall effectiveness of their workplace. These actions mean going beyond what is expected from the job description and can include things like helping coworkers, volunteering for tasks, and offering constructive feedback. These behaviors lead to positive team dynamics and can impact team effectiveness and performance over time.

A study published in The Leadership Quarterly found that when leaders express positive emotions, such as joy or pride, their followers are more likely to engage in OCB. On the other hand, negative emotions like anger or frustration can decrease OCB. The findings also suggest that the level of emotional contagion (i.e., the degree to which followers “catch” their leader’s emotions) effects the relationship between leaders’ emotional displays and followers’ OCB.

Link between Leader’s emotions and OCB

  • Leaders’ emotional displays have a significant impact on their followers’ organizational citizenship behavior.
  • Positive emotions expressed by leaders have a more significant impact on followers’ OCB than negative emotions.
  • Emotional contagion mediates the relationship between leaders’ emotional displays and followers’ OCB.

We often underestimate the power of emotions and how they can shape our team’s behavior. As leaders, we need to be more self-aware of how our emotions can impact our team. By expressing more positive emotions, being mindful of negative emotions, and leading by example, we can create a more positive and productive work environment for our team.

Displaying Positive Emotions

What can you do to be more purposeful and display positive emotions as a leader?

Here are some tips:

  1. Express positive emotions: As a leader, you set the tone for your team’s emotions. So, when you’re feeling happy or proud, share that with your team! Celebrate successes and show gratitude for hard work. This will encourage your team to engage in positive behaviors.
  2. Be mindful of negative emotions: Of course, as a leader, you’re not going to be happy all the time. But when you’re feeling angry or frustrated, try to be mindful of how you’re expressing those emotions. Instead of lashing out, take a deep breath and consider how you can express your emotions in a constructive way.
  3. Lead by example: Finally, remember that your team is looking to you for guidance. If you want your team to engage in positive behaviors, you need to lead by example. Show your team what it means to be a positive, productive member of the organization.
  4. Practice Mindfulness: To find out how and the benefits to you and your team read my article: How Mindfulness Helps You Lead | Dr. Will Ramey | OnTheStacks

Like it or not, as a leader, your emotions play a crucial role in shaping your team’s behavior. By expressing positive emotions, being mindful of negative emotions, and leading by example, you can encourage your team to engage in positive organizational citizenship behavior. So, let’s spread positivity and make our organizations even better!

Reference: “How leaders’ emotional displays shape followers’ organizational citizenship behavior” by Lukas F. Koning and Gerben A. Van Kleef published in The Leadership Quarterly 2015

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Let’s continue the conversation. Connect with me on LinkedIn Dr. William Ramey | LinkedIn

Interested in working together? Check out my services here: Leader & Team Development, Coaching, and Workshops

Check out my OnTheStacks Podcast episode here: 

If you find value and enjoy our content, smash that YouTube Subscribe button here: OnTheStacks YouTube Channel

Want to see more OnTheStacks Content?

Follow us everywhere on social media:

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