Feelings = Decision Making Tools

Finally we are talking about feelings, emotions and mental health in the workplace.  Be smarter than the average bear and use the feelings wheel to understand the origin, shades and depth of what you are feeling. In a digital remote environment it is all too easy to misunderstand the intent and get sidetracked.  Your emotions are an untapped tool, that you can hone to serve your decision making abilities.

Don’t Judge.  Feel.

If you move to judgement, you are blocking a feeling.  Don’t point your finger at someone else, know that the three you have pointing back at you are indicators.  Use those feelings to tap into inner strength and foresight.

Name It.

Identifying an emotion and giving it a label makes it much easier to understand.  Once you understand, whether you like it or not, you can start to think about the actions you need to consider to get you and the situation (mostly you) under control or as I like to say, rightsized.

Do Something.  Just Sit There.

We are trained to rush, take action, solve the problem.  Take a step sideways and slow it down.  Take the time to really dig into your gut feelings and then formulate a plan.  Consider all angles to fully address the core issues, not just the symptoms or immediate discomfort you may be feeling. Read this blog about how your actions are seen by others.

Consult the Feelings Wheel.

Click here to find out about the wheel’s founding and how to use it – although once you look at it, you will know exactly what to do.  

What’s Next:

If you can’t name it, you can’t use it.  Identify and name the emotion. It’s an untapped data source that will boost your intuition, strengthen your resolve and put you back in the driver’s seat of your interactions.