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The Power of Emotional Complexity in Leadership



Think back to a time when a difficult situation stirred a mix of emotions within you—frustration, empathy, perhaps even doubt. You might have felt the urge to push those feelings aside, thinking, “This isn’t the time for emotions. I need to focus.”

But what if those emotions, rather than being distractions, were the very tools you needed to navigate that moment?

In leadership, there’s often an unspoken rule: don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. Keep things professional. But here’s the reality—leadership is deeply human, and emotions are part of that humanity.

This is where emotional complexity comes into play. Rather than avoiding emotions, emotionally complex leaders embrace and understand the full range of what they feel. The result? They’re more authentic, connected, and effective.


Emotions Aren’t the Enemy

Most of us have been taught to see emotions as something separate from work. Leave them at the door, we’re told. But what happens when you do that? You lose the ability to fully connect with your team. People follow leaders who are relatable, and part of being relatable is being real.

Studies have shown that emotionally intelligent leaders, those who are aware of and manage their emotions well, perform better in times of crisis. This isn’t about letting emotions control you—it’s about understanding them and using them wisely.

Take Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global, who has spoken openly about the importance of embracing the full range of emotions in leadership. After a health scare due to exhaustion, Huffington realised that leading without acknowledging her own stress and emotions was a recipe for burnout. Now, her leadership philosophy centres on balance, mindfulness, and emotional awareness. It’s not just about managing stress; it’s about understanding the root causes of it.


Leading with Emotional Awareness

When you lead with emotional complexity, you acknowledge that emotions are nuanced. You're not just happy or sad. You might feel confident but also a bit anxious. You might be optimistic about a project but frustrated by the process. Embracing this complexity helps you navigate leadership with greater depth.

Here’s an example: I worked with a leader—let’s call her Emma—who had always prided herself on staying calm under pressure. But this meant she often shut down her emotions, especially in difficult conversations with her team. She believed showing frustration or doubt would make her seem weak. Over time, her team began to feel disconnected. They weren’t sure what she was thinking, and this lack of openness caused friction.

When we started working on emotional complexity, things shifted. Emma began acknowledging her emotions, even in small ways. In one meeting, she shared, “This is a tough situation, and I’m feeling frustrated too. But I believe we can find a way through it together.” That simple admission of emotion opened the door to a more honest, collaborative conversation. Her team appreciated her transparency, and their trust in her grew.


Practical Ways to Embrace Emotional Complexity


  1. Acknowledge What You Feel: Instead of pushing emotions aside, take a moment to recognise what’s going on internally. Are you feeling frustrated? Excited? Overwhelmed? Name those emotions—it helps to process them more effectively.

  2. Use Emotions as Data: Emotions aren’t just feelings; they provide information. If you’re feeling anxious about a decision, ask yourself why. Is there a valid concern you need to address, or is it just the fear of taking a risk? Use emotions to guide your next steps.

  3. Model Emotional Openness: When you’re open about your emotions (within reason, of course), it gives your team permission to do the same. This doesn’t mean oversharing but being honest about how you’re approaching a situation emotionally.

  4. Balance Emotions with Logic: While emotions are important, they need to be balanced with rational thinking. When making decisions, take into account both your emotional responses and the logical facts.



The Power of Vulnerability

There’s a reason Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability has resonated with so many leaders. Vulnerability, she says, isn’t about weakness—it’s about being brave enough to be real. Emotionally complex leaders understand that vulnerability is an asset, not a liability. When you lead with vulnerability, you foster deeper connections with your team. People are drawn to leaders who are authentic, who show they care, and who aren’t afraid to admit when something is difficult.

The best part? Emotional complexity isn’t something you have to perfect. It’s a daily practice of checking in with yourself, understanding what’s going on beneath the surface, and leading from a place of authenticity.


Emotional Complexity as Leadership Strength

Emotional complexity doesn’t mean you’re being ruled by your emotions. It means you’re tuned into them, using them as tools to guide your leadership decisions. It means you’re able to navigate the ups and downs of leadership with more empathy, understanding, and resilience.

So next time you feel a swirl of emotions during a tough leadership moment, instead of pushing them away, ask yourself: What are these feelings trying to tell me? By embracing emotional complexity, you unlock a deeper level of leadership that not only benefits you but strengthens the connection with your team.

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