Emotions cannot be frozen

When we interact with other people, emotions are always present, whether we want it or not. This is also true at workplaces. A robot would be a nice colleague in the sense that they would never let emotions get in the way. However, that would also make them pretty boring.

Emotions are permitted and welcome at the workplace, but a certain degree of control and emotional intelligence is necessary. In this issue, Meja Kalm uses expressions such as “reading the emotional atmosphere” and “expressing one’s emotions in a civilised manner”. Instead of overreacting, we should adjust our emotions to the situation.

It is important to remember that my opinion is just one of many opinions.

Although our personalities and temperaments differ, everyone should understand good manners. Bad behaviour cannot be justified as a personality trait.

Opinions and decisions can easily make us emotional. It is important to remember that my opinion is just one of many opinions. Everyone else’s opinion is equally valid. It should be remembered that decision-makers must make the decision in any case, even if they cannot please everyone in a conflict situation.

In some professions, such as in the social and health sector, people encounter a lot of emotions. In these situations, it is important to process those emotions so that they do not interfere with one’s free time too much. Such emotions should be discussed and processed together at the workplace.

This makes me feel a bit emotional, but that is fine!

Many of the studies we present in this issue clearly show that emotions should be discussed and we should learn how to take them into account. Taking emotions into account benefits everyone in the work community. It is particularly important for executives and supervisors. In our magazine, Päivi Hökkä encourages us to understand that emotional agency is a skill we can all learn.

The skill of listening cannot be overemphasised, either. Even if you are burning with the need to use the meeting time for sharing your view, you might want to consider listening to others first. After that, your views will gain more attention, as well.

This is my last editorial for Telma. It has been great to participate in creating this magazine that promotes good working life. I hope you continue to enjoy reading Telma in the future, too! This makes me feel a bit emotional, but that is fine!