At the 2026 Masters golf tournament, a player named Sergio Garcia became so angry that he broke his driver while slamming it against the tee box. Famed NBA player Charles Barkley has been arrested eight times during his career—why? For hitting fans.
Our first president was famous for his anger. He received some bad press, began swearing at someone who worked for him, then threw his hat on the ground and stomped on it.
President Eisenhower became so angry on a golf course that he threw a golf club, almost hitting someone.
Ever had a family member who lost their temper or reacted in a certain way, and everyone just whispered, “Oh, that’s just the way they are. Give them a little while and they’ll be okay?” That person’s life is being dominated by their emotional reactions—and everyone knows it. Not only do they know it, but they’re making space for those reactions to happen.
When emotions dictate your behaviour, others will interact with you differently.
You will rarely get candor if you’re known for emotional reactions.
A leader must be able to hear the worst news and not react harshly to the one delivering it. When you react in a negative fashion, your team loses the ability to speak truth to power.
Listen carefully and remember that what’s being said isn’t a reflection of you personally.
Am I asking you to be Spock from Star Trek? Absolutely not.
Be human. Smile, laugh, express concern, and be curious. All those things are possible without emotions controlling your life and relationships.
In a client relationship, you must be professional and kind. Losing your cool and raising your voice will not result in a signed contract. The client could even be fearful of working with you due to your emotions.
When your emotions dictate your actions and words are said that are regrettable, you cannot go back in time and fix it. That client will tell others what happened, and you’ll be branded with a reputation—a reputation that either opens doors or closes them.
This week, we begin a series of blogs on emotions and how they can help or hurt us in our careers and life.
Being aware of the dangers can often aid us when we find ourselves losing control of our thoughts and words. After all, words and deeds in the heat of the moment can leave you with a legacy you spend a lifetime trying to outrun.
The foundation on which these blogs are written is simple: emotions should not be allowed to dictate our behavior.
Emotions can make a bad situation even worse. In the heat of a debate, keeping your wits about you can save a deal—and even your reputation. Emotions can shipwreck a career or provide the grandest celebrations after a victory. We’re often remembered for our outbursts, words, and volume when we’re emotional.
Keep your emotions in check. Don’t allow them to dictate your behaviour.
Be the example to your team—a leader who is calm under pressure.
It is often said that in crisis situations, you should never let others see you sweat. Go ahead and let them see you sweat. They need to know it’s hard work.
But don’t let them see your emotions controlling your behaviour.
Creating unparalleled experiences,
Chris Adams
Ellis Adams Group is always updating our blogs with the latest and greatest, view more below.
Whether you’re developing a new hospitality concept, refining an existing brand, or expanding into new markets, our team is ready to collaborate and create custom solutions to fit your project.
