The Management Series:

1. The Management Series: Emotions in the Workplace Sensitivity Training

2. In 2010, 11,717 sexual harassment cases were filed with the EEOC in the United States. 2009 had the highest number of discrimination cases documented…until 2010 broke this record. By 2016, 70 % of the American workforce will be women and/or black, Latino, or Asian. This diversity is reflected in your organization. Sensitive work situations happen all the time! How can this be prevented? Sensitivity and Emotions at Work

3. Many issues cause sensitivity among you and your coworkers. This presentation is designed to help you understand, accept, and choose the correct emotions so that you may influence a positive and cooperative environment.

4. Emotions are the feelings we express each and every day. Positive thoughts produce positive emotions. Negative thoughts produce negative emotions. So our goal is to never have any negative thoughts or emotions. However, this is not possible! So we must learn to recognize our emotions and become aware of their effects. What Are Emotions?

5. Emotions at Work • “Everyone brings their emotions to work. You bring your brain to work. You bring your emotions to work. Feelings drive performance. They drive behavior and other feelings. Think of people as emotion conductors.” -Sigal Barsade • The emotions that you act upon affect your coworkers, whether positive or negative. Emotions are contagious!

6. Understanding Consequences • On the way to work you get cut off by another driver. You get to work and you are angry because that driver made you late. You are short with your boss and you snap at a coworker. Why? Because your emotions are showing. • Your boss then chooses your coworker to work on a project, even though you wanted to do the project and you feel you would be the better candidate. Why? Because your emotions have influenced your boss. • We must understand that our feelings affect our behaviors, and these behaviors often have serious consequences.

7. Emotional Intelligence • We should all strive to have a high emotional intelligence. What does this mean? Emotional intelligence is the understanding of other’s emotions. The more emotional intelligence one has, the better he/she is at noticing, understanding, and reacting to the feelings and behaviors of others.

8. Emotional Diversity • Another important fact we must take into consideration is that people who differ in gender, race, and age express emotions differently. Understanding that emotions can vary from coworker to coworker will help you form better and more personalized relationships.

9. The wrong actions, words, or conduct can result in a dysfunctional work environment. Remember, we are all different! Being aware of your behaviors and attitudes can create a serene, cooperative work place. Sensitivity in the Workplace

10. Sensitivity • Sensitivity is defined as “being aware of the needs and emotions of others and understanding that the behaviors of others influence the way you feel.” • Some people are more sensitive than others. It is important to observe these differences. • Issues in the workplace that may cause sensitivity can include culture, religion, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and disabilities.

11. Sensitivity • Situations may occur in your work environment that make you or others feel sensitive and uncomfortable, such as inappropriate jokes or touching, racial slurs, gender comments, and offensive language. • What may be appropriate for you outside of the workplace is not always acceptable within your working environment.

12. How to Prevent Sensitive Situations • Be professional at all times throughout your shift. • Don’t use offensive wording. • Never send inappropriate emails, texts, or messages while on the clock. • Realize that you work in a diverse setting, and what you think is appropriate may not be to someone else. • Report discriminatory behavior. • YOU are the first step in creating a fun and cohesive workplace!

13. Why does all this matter? • If you understand the emotions of others, you are more likely to relate with them. • This creates good relationships with your coworkers. Imagine if everyone at work had a great relationship with one another. There would be less rumors, less inappropriate jokes, less racial slurs, and less sensitive situations. • Good relationships decrease discrimination and create a positive and cooperative workplace.

14. Review • Recognizing emotions and controlling behaviors towards your coworkers will make coming to work enjoyable for everyone. • Positive thoughts lead to positive emotions. • Emotions are contagious. • Your emotions influence everyone around you. • People of different genders, ethnicities, and ages handle sensitive situations and express their emotions in different ways. • Remember, while at work, always be professional. • Become aware of how you and your coworkers react to sensitive situations. • The better you understand the feelings of others, the more your work life will improve!