2+2=5 Team*WORKS

A smile, a sigh, rolling of eyes, wrinkled eye brow, a stare, crossing of arms, a tear, a scream, a moan, a laugh, a nod, a shake, a frown: these emotions are displayed during practically every moment of each day. We communicate our emotions to others in a variety of different ways whether we are aware of it or not. The fourth grade children certainly demonstrated and provided evidence suggests the power of emotions in the way that we communicate. Understanding that emotion play a critical role in communication suggests that managers can use this information to become more effective communicators. Understanding emotion and the importance of empathy is a critical component of successful and effective communication.

Words and sounds are the primary way in which we think and expect emotions to be conveyed. Indeed, in several challenging team activities, people express frustration and discouragement both verbally and non-verbally. “What’s the point of this stupid game anyway? We’ll never get it?” one student always said. Other members of his team, clearly frustrated with him, would moan or groan heavily to signify their frustration which was as evident as the explicit student in many of the activities.

During several activities, after a briefing on the importance of self-awareness to individuals and teams, we would frequently stop and ask individuals to talk about what they were feeling at that particular freeze in the game. The activity that we selected for the week involved an incredibly difficult task that would require the entire class to work exceptionally well together or else it would certainly fail. Unfortunately, within the time constraints, the class was not able to complete the task given to them. I intentionally gave them a shortened period of time to complete the activity and frequently reminded them of their shortage of time and how little they had left in order to invoke frustration and to see how the students would respond. One student, responsible for holding the rope in which the team was required cross, repeatedly breached the rules by lowering the rope and causing his team to have to start over.

Naturally, the class became increasingly frustrated with him and made it well known to him. Finally, the pressure had reached its peak and the student rope holder threw the rope down in disgust, kicking it aside and storming to the back wall of the gym. Within seconds, I summoned him back to the group to discuss his emotions. We talked about how he had displayed his emotions without even saying a word or mumbling anything.

The class came to the ultimate conclusion that when looking for the right signals, it is quite easy to understand the emotions of others without the subject even saying a word. Emotions are conveyed in many different ways, facial expressions, tone, gestures, actions, and of course in words. We often express our emotions without even being conscious of doing so. When asked what does it mean to “express your emotions” one male student responded, “Talk about your feelings and stupid stuff like that… like girls do.” Ironically, it was the same student that had so clearly expressed his emotions- – - frustration and anger with the rope, only thirty minutes earlier.

What’s your emotional intelligence? I encourage you to take this self-assessment. Over 50,000 people have taken it, it only takes 20 minutes and it is extremely helpful. http://www.myskillsprofile.com

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/h-k-d/2656299021/sizes/s/