Why Are Workplace Moods Important?

The mood of a manager is important at any time, but possibly even more so during a crisis.

Workplace emotions have an impact on job performance, decision-making, and teamwork.

Like a virus, negativity may spread from one person to another. And a leader's mood is the most contagious of all because of their power.

Thankfully, positive emotional contagion is just as powerful as negative emotional contagion. The data and the unpleasant experience of far too many people agree: a leader's mood has a direct impact on team morale.

What Can You Do If You're Having Mood Issues?

Emotionally, leading at any level is difficult. So, have a look at these seven mood-management tips if you are prone to moodiness.

They can assist you in maintaining emotional stability in a challenging atmosphere & lead at your best.

1. Develop a greater sense of self-awareness

Self-awareness is the first step towards self-control. Take a time to assess your mental condition before a virtual meeting, for example:

? Are you angry?

? Do you have a low mood?

? Are you feeling depressed as a result of recent events?

? Do you get a sense of being overburdened?

Consider whether your current mood is beneficial to you and your coworkers. If no, make every attempt to alter your conduct - at least for the time of the event. To do this, you must be disciplined!

2. Present Your Best Face

People are usually good at detecting the boss's mood. According to research, the brain gathers the majority of the information it requires from a facial expression to evaluate a person's emotional state in just a fifth of a second. So, even if you don't think your emotions are showing, they most definitely are!

We may not be able to totally control our emotions at difficult moments.

We can, however, control our facial movements and convey calm and confidence in this way.

For instance,

·????????Make a conscious effort to relax your jaw right before entering a meeting or a virtual meeting room

·????????Maintain a positive attitude by smiling

·????????A half-smile will suffice if you don't want to smile

According to research from the University of Washington, maintaining a half-smile increases our mood and creates a positive attitude. This is in line with the "Facial Feedback Hypothesis," which claims that our facial expressions have a direct impact on our emotional state. It's worth a shot!

3. Create a recovery schedule

Zoom exhaustion is a genuine thing. Video conferencing conversations that are frequent and long might deplete your energy and affect your mood.

Take inspiration from athletes who understand that pushing themselves to the limit without rest or recovery can hurt their performance.

·????????Plan for some downtime in between video sessions so you can recharge your batteries

·????????Schedule short breaks during the day to get up from your desk, stretch, and unwind

·????????You can use these little buffer zones to help you refocus

4. Double-check your messages before sending

Many people may find themselves leading through email and instant messaging as we move away from in-person contact.

·????????Take a minute to read your note before pressing the "send" button

·????????Make sure your facts are correct and that your emotional tone is appropriate

Let's imagine a member of your team presents you with a bundle of project suggestions.

?"Let's talk over this at our next meeting," is a bad response. With such a brief response, the recipient may wonder if everything is fine. With a simple, "Good recommendations, Amey," you may alleviate this unnecessary concern. Let's discuss it at our next meeting.”

5. Watch out for grumpy silences

It's simple to withdraw and talk less when working when you're under a lot of stress. When there is a notable lack of emails, video chats, and meetings, it is the online version of a grumpy silence in the workplace.

Silence promotes insecurity and anxiety, and it can lead to people fantasizing about the worst-case situation.

Employees, on the other hand, find your digital presence reassuring.

·????????Check in with your people frequently, even daily, even if there are no formal virtual meetings set up

·????????Be wary about micromanaging

·????????Updates should be shared

·????????Maintain an open digital door and offer opportunities for communication, making time to listen to people's concerns

6. Be Consistent

I once worked for a general manager who had unpredictable mood swings. He'd go into the workplace one day, cheerful, attentive, and nice. The next day, there was a wrinkled brow, thinned lips, and a dismissive remark.

This emotional swing left everyone perplexed since they didn't sure which way the wind was blowing.

Regulating your emotions might help people maintain predictability during these periods of change. Then they won't be at the mercy of your moods. Predictability is appealing to people because it provides a sense of comfort and safety.

7) Reinforcing Empathy Muscles

In these trying times, empathy is quickly becoming a top leadership attribute.

CEOs are frequently referred to as "Chief Empathy Officers."

·????????Put your empathy cap on if you have trouble managing your moods as a leader

·????????Consider the emotional impact that your emotions may have on your employees' already shaky morale

·????????What about the effect on family's well-being?

Power and Moods

Overall, remember that as the boss, you have a lot of "soft" power.

You have the power to make or break an employee's day.

Consider the following questions:

? What can I do as a leader to reduce the stress I may cause others?

? Am I a good role model for controlling one's mood so it doesn't spread to others?

? How can I establish a positive tone at the top to encourage my employees to focus on their work and improve their performance?

? What can I do now to make a good difference in people's lives when they are most in need?

At the same time, don't be scared to be truthful and vulnerable. Vulnerability demonstrates your sincerity. It increases your connection to you and establishes a common relationship with others in a crisis.

Remember the primary task of a leader is to create a positive atmosphere in which people can perform their duties.

So being the best leader make sure you are emotionally, mentally competent, extremely strong, and humble on the inside and out.

Are you prone to moodiness? Feel free to share comments & experiences in the comments.

Ishitaa Jain,

Empowerment Coach

Founder, Dive 'N' Fly