Posted on February 20, 2025
Personality
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Because the first step in developing EQ is recognizing the presence of each emotion...
In the bustling world of work, emotions are often overlooked and not considered crucial to achieving results. But the reality is that we still work with people, and as human beings, we have limited rationality. Many decisions and actions are driven by emotions, making EQ (Emotional Intelligence) an inevitable part of skill measurement in this area. This is excellently illustrated in Pixar's movie "Inside Out 2" through the experiences of Riley, a mid-teenage girl and the main character, where emotions play a crucial role in shaping thoughts, behaviors, and ultimately, our professional outcomes.
We will explore the value and characteristics of each character from "Inside Out" by getting to know, understand, and accept all emotions. By recognizing their worth, we can observe how developing Emotional Intelligence (EQ) can be an essential component for success in both work and career paths.
Representing happiness and optimism, Joy brings boundless energy into the workplace. Deep within the protagonist's mind, her enthusiasm sparks motivation, inspires creativity, and fosters a positive work environment. Her optimism and confidence in finding solutions to problems often lead to successful outcomes and smooth team dynamics, referencing the theory of "The Happiness Advantage."
Often seen as a negative and annoying emotion, a small yet adequate amount of anxiety can actually help us prepare carefully and anticipate potential problems. For instance, when your team is working on a project, anxiety helps us foresee risks and plan for mitigation, preparing for the worst outcomes that we can handle. However, you need to learn to recognize its presence and guide it to a state of relaxation, as overusing anxiety can lead to flawed thinking and actions, even causing panic.
Positive sadness helps deepen relationships and fosters empathy from others' perspectives. For example, when a colleague is going through a difficult time, sadness allows you to express sympathy, offer encouragement, and provide help because we have a deep understanding of our emotions.
In some situations, you need to stand up for yourself and protect your rights. "Anger" helps you express yourself powerfully and confidently assert what you want, set boundaries, and advocate for what is right. However, you must use anger appropriately, focusing on acknowledging and addressing the problem rather than blaming or criticizing others.
Envy is a natural human emotion that drives us to seek comfort and survival by comparing ourselves to others. When used positively, envy can motivate you to compete, develop, and learn from others. However, it is a double-edged sword, so it is essential to practice acceptance and celebrate others' successes while channeling this drive positively and without harming anyone.
Overcoming embarrassment helps you communicate and collaborate effectively with others, building confidence and encouraging you to express your opinions. Creating a safe space for your teammates to showcase their abilities will also help them overcome their own embarrassment.
Fear is a survival mechanism, but in the workplace, when you step out of your comfort zone, you'll face new challenges that may come with fear simply because you've "never done it before." Embracing fear allows you to recognize, learn, practice, and develop your skills. You can choose to flee or seek advice from those with more experience or expertise, accept reality, and confront it.
Disgust helps you adhere to ethical principles and avoid inappropriate situations. For example, when a colleague tries to persuade you to take advantage of a customer, disgust will help you reject it, stand up for what's right, and protect the reputation of your organization.
By understanding yourself and your emotions, unlock your true potential through a great movie like "Inside Out 2" and apply it effectively to your personal life and work.
