Insights at the Edge: Carla McLaren Interview Summary

Introduction

• Host: Tammy Simon, founder of Sounds True.
• Introduction of the Sounds True Foundation:
  • Aims to create a wiser and kinder world through transformational education.
  • Focuses on accessibility for at-risk youth, prisoners, veterans, and communities in need.
  • Encourages support through donations to soundstruefoundation.org.

Guest Introduction: Carla McLaren

• Background:
  • Award-winning author, social science researcher, expert in emotions and empathy.
  • Notable works include "The Language of Emotions" and "The Power of Emotions at Work".
• Key Concepts:
  • Emphasizes the value of all emotions, including negative ones.
  • Discusses the contemporary workplace's expectation to suppress emotions.

The State of the Workplace

• Observations on Workplace Dynamics:
  • Many workplaces are non-functional social spaces.
  • Human Resource (HR) departments often do not address emotional well-being.
• Historical Context:
  • Industrial Revolution shifted work environments, leading to suppression of emotions.
  • Workers expected to be "cogs in the machine" without emotional needs being recognized.

Importance of Emotions in the Workplace

• Misconceptions about Emotions:
  • Many workplaces only welcome positive emotions and suppress the rest, leading to dysfunction.
  • Research shows 85% of workers do not communicate important workplace problems due to fear of negative repercussions.
• Emotional Intelligence:
  • All emotions are vital for problem-solving, including anger, shame, and anxiety.
  • Understanding and integrating all emotions can enhance workplace communication and productivity.

Characteristics of a Healthy Workplace

• Definition of an Emotionally Well-Regulated Workplace:
  • A space where emotions can be expressed and respected.
• Features:
  1. Open discussion of emotions.
  2. Mistakes and conflicts addressed without blame.
  3. Honesty about mistakes is encouraged.
  4. Respect for individual emotions and sensitivities.
  5. Emotional awareness and skills are valued.
  6. Space for speaking truths, even when uncomfortable.
  7. Social structure is supportive and revitalizing.

Conscious Complaining

• Concept Explained:
  • A structured way to express dissatisfaction without burdening others.
  • Involves intentional sharing and active listening without seeking solutions.
• Benefits:
  • Helps individuals process emotions constructively.
  • Fosters a sense of community and understanding.

Psychological Safety and Emotional Intelligence

• Importance of Psychological Safety:
  • Essential for high-performing teams, allowing for open dialogue and risk-taking.
• Integration of Emotional Awareness:
  • Workers must take responsibility for their emotional regulation and vocabulary.

Grief in the Workplace

• Response Strategies:
  • Establish grief rituals and memorials to acknowledge loss.
  • Encourage check-ins with grieving individuals to show support.

Empathetic Design in Workspaces

• Key Elements:
  1. Spaces for rest and privacy.
  2. Adequate break times.
  3. Repair stations for emotional processing.
• Recognizing the need for workers to have spaces for emotional regulation.

Ethical Empathic Gossip

• Definition:
  • A constructive way to discuss concerns about coworkers while committing to address issues directly with them.
• Benefits:
  • Helps individuals process feelings and avoid harmful gossip.
  • Fosters connections and builds community.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on the need for emotional awareness in work environments.
• Understanding emotions as tools for self-regulation and interpersonal communication.
• Final remarks on the importance of creating emotionally healthy workplaces.