The Power of Emotion: Using Your Feelings to Create Momentum in the Workplace

Emotions are often misunderstood in professional environments. We're told to keep them in check, separate them from work, or even ignore them altogether. But what if, instead of suppressing our emotions, we used them to our advantage? Emotions are powerful sources of energy that, when harnessed effectively, can drive us to achieve more, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful momentum in the workplace.

The Importance of Emotions in the Workplace

Emotions influence every decision we make. Whether we’re navigating conflict, collaborating with a team, or responding to unexpected challenges, our feelings shape how we interpret situations and how we act. Research has shown that emotional intelligence (EQ)—our ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions—plays a pivotal role in leadership, team dynamics, and overall job performance.

Far from being a distraction, emotions are signals. They tell us what we value, where our boundaries are, and what our needs might be in a given moment. By acknowledging our emotions rather than dismissing them, we can access a powerful tool for personal growth and professional success.

How Emotions Create Momentum

In a fast-paced workplace, momentum is key. It's what drives teams to stay focused, push through obstacles, and achieve goals. When emotions are aligned with positive thoughts and a clear purpose, they become a motivating force, energising not only individuals but entire teams.

Here’s how emotions can create momentum:

1. Fueling Drive with Passion

Passion is one of the most obvious examples of using emotion to create momentum. When you’re excited and motivated about a project, that energy is contagious. It drives you to go above and beyond, and it can inspire those around you to match your enthusiasm. Leaders who are passionate about their work foster a culture of energy and engagement, creating momentum that pushes projects forward even when challenges arise.

2. Turning Frustration into Problem-Solving

Negative emotions, like frustration or anxiety, are often seen as roadblocks, but they can be catalysts for growth if viewed differently. Frustration, for example, signals that something is not working the way you’d like. By recognising this emotion, you have an opportunity to redirect it. Instead of getting stuck, you can channel your frustration into a proactive mindset by asking, “What can I change or improve in this situation?”

This shift not only resolves the issue but builds momentum by focusing on solutions rather than problems.

3. Empathy Builds Connection and Trust

In a collaborative environment, trust and strong relationships are essential for momentum. Empathy, an emotion-driven ability to understand and connect with others' feelings, fosters stronger bonds and deeper communication. When people feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. This emotional connection lays the foundation for teamwork, making it easier to resolve conflicts, brainstorm ideas, and achieve goals together.

Using Emotions to Serve You Better: 3 Key Strategies

Now that we’ve explored how emotions can create momentum, how can you actively use your emotions to work for you rather than against you?

1. Lean into Emotional Awareness

The first step in using emotions to create momentum is becoming aware of them. Acknowledge what you’re feeling and why. Instead of pushing emotions aside, lean into them and ask yourself, “What is this emotion telling me?”. By understanding the root cause, you can better respond and use the emotion to inform your next move.

2. Reframe Your Perspective

Emotions and thoughts are deeply connected. Negative emotions are often the result of negative thoughts, so when you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: “Is there a different way to view this situation?”. Shifting your perspective from, “This is too difficult” to “This is an opportunity to grow” can transform anxiety into excitement, allowing you to use that emotional energy productively.

3. Set Emotionally-Charged Goals

When setting goals for yourself or your team, tie them to emotions. Ask yourself, “How do I want to feel when I accomplish this?”. Connecting your goals to positive emotions like pride, excitement, or fulfilment gives you a more powerful motivation to push through difficult times. Your emotions will act as fuel to keep you moving forward, especially when the path gets tough.

Emotion-Driven Leadership

Great leaders don’t shy away from emotions—they embrace them. They understand that by creating an emotionally intelligent culture, they can drive higher levels of engagement, collaboration, and resilience. When leaders use their own emotions thoughtfully and encourage their teams to do the same, they create an environment where momentum thrives.

Emotion-driven leadership doesn't mean acting on every feeling that arises. Instead, it means cultivating emotional awareness, understanding how emotions influence behaviour, and consciously using those emotions to motivate and inspire. It’s about leading with empathy, practicing vulnerability when appropriate, and using passion as a driving force.

Final Thoughts

In the workplace, emotions are not the enemy. They are powerful allies that can help us achieve more, grow personally, and foster better collaboration. When we learn to understand and harness our emotions, we unlock the ability to create positive momentum that propels us forward—even in challenging circumstances.

Start by tuning into your emotions, reframing negative thoughts, and setting emotionally-charged goals. The more you practice this, the more you’ll find that your emotions can become a powerful source of energy, helping you—and your team—reach new heights.