Why Talking About Feelings Can Improve Job Performance

Why Talking About Feelings Can Improve Job Performance

Emotions affect our work, even when we don’t talk about them. Discover how open conversations can strengthen collaboration and help teams stay focused.

Workplaces often value pragmatism, but feelings about decisions and teamwork don’t disappear just because we leave them unspoken. Sometimes a brief conversation about what’s making people uneasy or motivating them can clear up a misunderstanding and bring everyone’s attention back to the task at hand. This blog explores the connection between emotions, communication and performance, and offers exercises you can try without turning every meeting into a personal confessional.

Interested in this topic? Read more: Emotions as the secret engine of team collaboration: How their expression shapes leaders and enhances performance Want to find out where you stand personally? Take a short test at the end of the page and gain a better understanding.

How does this apply to you? Choose the answers that describe you best:

Imagine that a colleague made a mistake and it caused problems for the team. How would you react initially?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Your team is celebrating success. What do you notice first?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

In stress, your colleagues stop trusting each other. How does that make you feel?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

A colleague is crying after receiving feedback. What is the first thing that crosses your mind?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When someone in the team doesn't speak about their feelings, you...

Choose the answer that best describes you.

The team leader tends to hide their frustrations. How does that affect you?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

What do you think if someone in the team openly expresses anger?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

There is a subtle dissatisfaction spreading in the team. You...

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Someone in your team confides in you about a personal problem. How do you react?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you explain when someone is always "fine" at work?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Emotions in the Team: How (un)expressed feelings affect collaboration and performance.

Get an evaluation of your answers

Enter your email to create an account and link this test to it. After you submit all 10 answers, we’ll show your evaluation on the page and email you a link.