Move and Groove 66 - Grrrr...
I try to use verbs for my titles but this week all I have is a growl...
Finding myself getting angry more often than usual.
Which is pushing me to take action more than usual.
Anger is often viewed negatively in professional settings, for good reason.
Yelling at colleagues because you haven't taken the time to train your emotional response is selfish and ineffective. Study, practice and fix it if you want to be an effective leader.
But controlled or channeled anger can be a powerful catalyst for productive action.
Controlled anger activates the approach motivation system in the brain, prompting us toward goal-directed behavior rather than avoidance.
We run towards the thing we are angry about rather than sticking our heads in the sand.
Neuroscience Nugget
Controlled anger activates the left prefrontal cortex, associated with approach motivation and positive affect, and the anterior cingulate cortex, which helps regulate emotional responses. This unique neural signature explains why constructive anger can enhance determination without impairing judgment.
People experiencing moderate anger show improved analytical processing, heightened attention to relevant details, and enhanced problem-solving abilities compared to those in neutral emotional states (Lerner et al., 2006). Researchers found that anger's energizing properties increased cognitive persistence on challenging tasks by up to 40%. Anger, unlike sadness or fear, increases perseverance and optimism in overcoming obstacles (Carver et al., 2009).
These benefits emerge only when anger is expressed constructively. Uncontrolled anger activates different neural pathways, primarily engaging the amygdala while bypassing executive function regions, leading to impulsive reactions rather than strategic responses.
Strategic leaders use controlled anger for action and better decision-making.
Pep Talk
That anger you feel about someone crossing a line, that stalled project, or that ridiculous policy decision? Use it as fuel for action when channeled effectively.
This week, I offer you "strategic anger conversion." When you feel that familiar heat rising, rather than suppressing it or letting it explode, redirect its energy toward concrete action steps. Dig deep into the root cause, name it, and create three actions to fix the root cause.
Impactful leaders throughout history have used controlled anger as motivation for positive change. They accomplished meaningful change because they harnessed it purposefully and got others excited as well.
The next time you feel anger arising, recognize it as your brain signaling that something important to you is at stake. Your task isn't to eliminate this valuable emotion but to direct its energy toward constructive outcomes.
Move, groove, and turn your anger into purposeful action.
See you next week.
Be well,
Eric
P.S. Enjoy these resources on your journey: