Understanding your emotional triggers as a leader

We all have them.

“Anger is never without a reason, but seldom a good one.”

- Benjamin Franklin

Are you triggered?

In recent years, the question has become standard in noxious political discourse. The concept of being triggered is a way to belittle one’s opponent, showing they are of weaker intellectual and emotional mettle than you are.

But the truth is that all of us get emotionally triggered.

To be triggered is to be human. And yes, that goes for leaders, including CEOs and other executives.

There’s something that feels bizarre about putting the terms emotion and leadership together. But unless you are preternaturally even-keeled, getting a handle on your triggers and emotions (and understanding the triggers and emotions of others) is foundational to your ability to lead.