Can we learn to manage negative emotions at work from films?
Work teams sometimes fail because they don’t have the capacity to adapt. By examining three blockbuster films with different kinds of teams and threats, researchers at Iowa State University in the United States suggest that negative emotions if used properly can help teams adapt at work. The study was published in the journal ‘Academy of Management Review’.
Hollywood hints for a challenging work environment
“Everything in the ‘work teams’ literature says emotion needs to be managed or regulated,” explained co-author James Summers, an associate professor of management, in an Iowa State University news release. “But it gets to the point where you are in a situation where you are not going to be able to do that. So, how can we take something debilitating and switch it to get people to act and be successful.” In the 1995 epic historical drama film ‘Braveheart’, the warrior William Wallace leads his undermanned Scottish troops to victory over the formidable English army. They were ready to withdraw until Wallace gave an impassioned speech that turned the soldiers’ fear to anger. “We know anger clouds our ability to cognitively process. We sort of narrow in, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing all the time, especially in situations like this,” added Prof. Summers. “You’re not going to take someone who’s fearful and make them happy. But you can play in the same sandbox of emotions.” The 2000 biographical sports film ‘Remember the Titans’ also shows an American high school football team shifting away from negative emotions. Tensions grow when players of different races are on the same team. Coach Herman Boone gives a motivational speech about coming together as a team and aiming for perfection. The 2013 biographical black comedy crime film ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ demonstrates how teams can be unsuccessful in harnessing negative emotions. Following an FBI investigation into corruption and fraud, Wall Street stockbroker Jordan Belfort is advised to leave his firm and lie low while lawyers try to keep him from going to prison. In the middle of a farewell speech, Belfort talks himself into staying when he sees how distressed his team is. The team’s initial emotion – sadness – turns to exhilaration. This decision provides only temporary relief, as he lands in jail and the company shuts down.
Disruptions are commonplace, so it’s all about adapting
“For so long, the old adage has been, ‘It’s just a job’ or ‘Do your job.’ It’s only been within the last few years that workplaces are beginning to accept the role of emotions,” elaborates Prof. Summers. “We all need to understand the full range of emotions that people in the workplace experience.” He concludes: “If someone withdraws or is having a bad day, don’t ignore it or shrug it off — acknowledge it. Only then can you help them shape that emotion into something that’s functional.”
Keywords
emotion, workplace, work, film, fear, anger, team