When leaders have a solid understanding of what triggers their emotions they can manage themselves and control the impact their emotions have on others. I once worked for a leader whose emotions could be triggered by something as simple as a question that he did not like. His aggressive and condescending response would silence the room. People became hesitant to ask questions or contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way. The value of emotional self-awareness is not limited to the emotions of the individual leader, it also includes the ability to give equal consideration to the feelings of others.

If you wonder where you stand on emotional self-awareness, ask a few colleagues to give you feedback about how your emotions impact them. These conversations will provide insight that will help you to alter your display of emotions, and help you to manage your moods more effectively.