The Power of Emotional Energy
Fueling Creativity and Building a Healthy Emotional Culture
Hello Everyone,
Welcome to a new issue of Culturescapes! In this letter, we are exploring emotional energy at work and discuss how to diversify our energy sources through intentional practices.
Last year, my friend and collaborator, Elif Gokcigdem, invited me to contribute a chapter to her upcoming book series, Designing for Empathy. My background readings for the chapter, particularly Ashkahansy’s paper on Emotions at Work, inspired this issue.
Let’s dive in.
Have you ever thought about what truly fuels your creative and intellectual work? While a fresh cup of coffee (or tea) and reliable Wi-Fi are essential, there’s a third ingredient we often overlook—emotional energy..
The Three Essentials of Work Sustenance
Picture an almost effortless scene: someone with a cup of coffee (or tea), a laptop with a strong Wi-Fi connection, and a creative spark in the air. It’s easy to assume these basics are all we need to power our work. But have you ever noticed that even your favorite beverage and the fastest internet can’t always help if you feel drained or disconnected?
This is where emotional energy becomes essential—a subtle yet powerful force driving our motivation, resilience, and creativity. We ensure our mugs are filled, and our networks are stable—but how often do we pause and recharge our emotional energy?
Diversifying Emotional Energy Sources
Emotional energy doesn’t come from just one place; four key areas fuel it:
Internal State: Our mindsets, self-care practices, and emotional intelligence.
Interpersonal Interactions: The quality of our daily relationships and exchanges.
Team’s Emotional Energy: The collective mood and shared culture within our immediate circles.
Organizational Climate: The broader environment is shaped by leadership, policies, and norms.
Diversifying these sources allows us to access multiple reserves. If one area runs low, the others help us stay balanced and engaged.
3. Mapping Emotional Culture Across Two Axes
So how do we manage emotional energy in practice? Let’s consider it along two intersecting axes:
Internal ↔ External: Emotional energy begins with the individual self and extends outward to relationships, teams, and the broader organization.
Low ↔ High Energy: From fatigued or depleted states to energized and proactive ones.
A healthy emotional culture often appears in the top-right quadrant, where a healthy dose of emotional energy and outward-flowing social support. However, not all experiences fit neatly into that space.
In the lower, more internal quadrant, you’ll find emotional labor—the sometimes invisible burden of managing emotions when circumstances don’t allow open expression. For instance, a teammate may struggle with a difficult situation at home yet feel unable to discuss it openly. This person ends up enduring emotional strain alone, which can quickly deplete personal energy and well-being. Recognizing and addressing emotional labor—through empathy, supportive discussions, and flexible policies—helps prevent burnout and creates a healthier environment.
Emotional contagion can occur in the lower, more external quadrant. Adverse events (such as layoffs or toxic leadership) ripple through an organization, creating anxiety, fear, or frustration. Because layoffs are increasingly common, it’s crucial to understand how quickly these emotions can spread, impacting morale and productivity. Open communication, transparent decision-making, and empathetic leadership can mitigate emotional contagion and reduce its harmful effects.
Three key drivers can help us cultivate a more supportive, high-energy emotional culture:
Emotional Awareness
Recognize our own emotions and understand how they affect those around us.
Positive Mindsets & Intentionality
Consciously shaping our perspectives and routines to encourage a supportive emotional environment.
Culture Interventions
Introducing practices, rituals, and policies (such as team check-ins, flexible work setups, or celebration moments) reinforcing overall well-being.
Bringing It All Together
Action Steps to Consider:
Personal: Check your emotional “battery” regularly. Embrace simple recharging rituals, such as a brisk walk, a friendly chat, or a mindful pause.
Team: Create an open communication culture. Even small gestures—daily stand-ups or shared gratitude—can lift collective energy.
Organization: Rally for leadership involvement and supportive policies (e.g., mental health days, peer-support initiatives). Structural support helps everyone thrive.
This is a wrap of this Culturescapes issue. Until next time, take good care of yourself and your loved ones!