Here’s an under-rated super-power that’s pretty easy to learn.
Notice and manage the energy you bring into the room.
Your presence brings your headspace into contact with others. Your negativity, positivity, your whatever, it’s contagious.
- Take a break if your mood turns sour or frustrated. Nobody will begrudge you a 5 minute walk outside to reset mid-meeting (being a dad has taught me that a trip “to the bathroom” can buy you essential moments to blow off steam when you feel overwhelmed).
- If home or health is really weighing you down emotionally, beg off a few meetings or be open about what you’re carrying around. Peers and direct reports are remarkably patient about personal burdens when told something’s up.
- Practice acknowledging difficult feelings out loud. Better to tell people you’re angry or frustrated or afraid than to show them.
