That pulsating ache in my neck and shoulders is telling me something. It’s telling me something physical, something mental, and something emotional. It’s setting off all kinds of warning bells in my head, here are a few…
Physically, the ache is telling me I am tired, I am not getting enough rest, and my exercise routine has evaporated. It’s telling me that if I am not careful, I am headed for a bugger of a backache that can put me down for days.
Mentally, the ache is telling me that my patience is shorter, I cannot communicate ideas as well, and I am developing tunnel vision instead of remaining strategic. It’s telling me I need watch out for unnecessary risks, keep a close check on my “command” characteristic, and double check my critical thinking.
Emotionally, the ache is telling me that my positive outlook is at risk and my capacity to maintain relationships has diminished. It’s telling me to force the smile, crack the joke, and soften the message because I am not “Full On”.
This week I read a blog post by Larry Senn called “Lead From the Top of the Mood Elevator”. In the article Larry reminds us that it’s critically important to be aware of your moods and to manage them appropriately.
Authors Sigal Barsade and Donald Gibson examined how employees’ moods and overall dispositions have an impact on job performance, decision-making, creativity, teamwork and leadership. Leaders’ displays of emotions, they noted, influence followers through emotional contagion: “Positive, upbeat emotions of the leader are emulated by followers, resulting in positive outcomes.” (Wharton study)
Senn gives five tips for dealing with the swings:
1. Become aware of your state of mind and use your feelings as your guide to the quality of your thinking.
2. Take better care of yourself. Our physical state plays a role in our thinking.
3. Know your thoughts are unreliable when your mood drops.
4. Maintain your perspective through gratitude and a sense of humor.
5. Be aware of your leadership shadow. Moods are contagious.
For me, after writing this post I am feeling better already, but regardless, I am going for a run when I get home and I am adding “mood” to my daily metrics.
Shawn Grubb
