Experience-Driven Leader Development: Models, Tools, Best Practices, and Advice for On-the-Job Development

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Narrating Emotions to Enhance Learning

Shirli Kopelman

University of Michigan

Ilan Gewurz

Proment Corporation

LEADERS CONTINUOUSLY FACE situations that are infused with emotions. There is a tendency to view negative emotions as counterproductive because the anxiety, fear, and anger created by power struggles, uncertainty, and frustration can cloud the learning. It is true that negative emotions can be uncomfortable and challenging. Counter-intuitively, such negative emotions may at times be appropriate and even constructive if managed effectively. Ironically, although people may experience positive emotions as pleasant, they can be counterproductive, ...