Friday, July 07, 2023

HBR Guides us When Should You Keep a Poker Face at Work?

 As a leader, it’s often beneficial to put your feelings on display. But there are certain situations when unleashing your raw, unfiltered emotions can backfire. How do you decide when to put on a poker face at work? Ask yourself these questions:

  • How will expressing my emotions help or hinder my goals? If you’re trying to build relationships and rapport, using a poker face may come across as insincere or uninterested, whereas if you’re negotiating, it may be advantageous to protect your position.
  • What’s my role in the interaction? For example, if you’re leading a meeting, you may want to display more confidence and assertiveness, whereas if you’re a participant, you may want to display more openness and receptivity.
  • How appropriate is it for me to show vulnerability in this context? Consider whether the situation calls for a more guarded approach or whether it’s appropriate to be more open, along with your personal style and what feels more authentic to you.
  • What are the norms of the people or organization I’m communicating with? Different cultures and groups have different expectations around the expression of emotions. Try to adjust your behavior accordingly. 

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