Background

The opportunity to be oneself - authentic and genuine - plays an important part in how satisfied a person is with their life. When we strive for authenticity, self-knowledge is crucial. It consists of the ability to recognize and process one's own experiences and emotions. If we know how to do this, our community also functions better.

Some emotions come and go. Other feelings can interfere or even be debilitating. Irritation may indicate fatigue, stress, or low blood sugar. Envy sometimes leads us to downplay the success of a colleague. We may experience unpleasant climate and eco emotions.

But what if we recognize these emotions and use them as road signs? What if envy helps us to identify our own desires? If we face our climate and eco emotions, perhaps we will start to act more actively for the climate.

Encountering emotions can help us understand and reshape our actions. This is emotional agency, understanding that emotions have a role in community action, and acting with consideration to emotions. Research shows that emotional agency is related to the extent to which people commit to their work and changes related to it.

Emotional agency requires psychological safety. It is, in turn, reinforced by clear operating methods and requires good leadership. Each individual is also responsible for it. And if the community provides a psychologically safe environment, authenticity and creativity can strengthen.

Instructions

Follow the links underneath to this content.

1. Read the article Toxic Positivity for more information.

2. Do the audio/mindfulness exercise Soften, Soothe, Allow. It helps you determine if you can let go of an emotion or if the emotion has a message that is worth listening to.

3. Watch the short film Have a Good Day. It sheds light - in a humorous way - on how the protagonist's inability or ability can affect the people around him.

4. (For Aalto personnel) Attend VOICE training. It is a course designed to encourage thoughtful and productive speaking up habits, enabling a collaborative and empowered work culture. VOICE utilizes neuroscience to significantly improve the frequency and efficacy of employees speaking up – at the right moments – in the work environment.