The Globe of Emotions

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Understanding and controlling emotions

Emotions determine our lives - consciously or unconsciously - but instead of just putting up with them, we can use them in a targeted way. This is exactly where the Globe of Emotions comes in: It makes emotions visible, understandable and manageable.

Determined by seven basic emotions

Our perception, our decisions and our behavior are deeply interwoven with our emotions. They are not merely spontaneous reactions, but follow clear patterns that shape our lives. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we are guided by seven fundamental emotions. They determine how we react to situations, what needs we perceive and how we interact with others. By understanding these emotions, we gain control over our reactions and can act more consciously.

The 7 basic emotions and their dynamics

The Globe of Emotions is based on our seven basic emotions, which influence and therefore completely determine our perception, our actions and our relationships:

• Joy (need for connection): Joy is the emotional driver of social closeness and relationships. It arises when we feel connected, recognized and supported. If this connection is missing, joy fades and other emotions can take over.
• Anger (need for dynamism): Anger is the driving force for change. It shows us that we need to take action when boundaries are crossed or needs are disregarded. If anger is suppressed, it can turn into frustration or resignation.
• Fear (need for security): Fear protects us from danger and uncertainty. It warns us when our safety is threatened - whether physically or emotionally. But if fear dominates, it can paralyze us and block our growth.
• Grief (need for independence): Grief helps us to deal with loss and to reorient ourselves internally. It shows us that something is missing that was important for our autonomy. Those who do not allow themselves to grieve often remain trapped in emotional rigidity.
• Disgust (need for health): Disgust protects us - not only from physical, but also from emotional and social pollutants. It gives us the signal to keep our distance and maintain our boundaries. However, if disgust becomes too strong, it can lead to excessive separation and isolation.
• Contempt (need for structure): Contempt arises when we feel something is inappropriate. It helps us to create clear structures and protect our values, to set ourselves apart. However, if it gets out of hand, it can lead to arrogance and social distancing. I will write about the name of contempt in a later blog article.
• Amazement (need for growth): Amazement opens us up to new perspectives and promotes our ability to learn. It helps us to accept the unknown and to develop further. Without amazement, we remain trapped in old patterns and lose our innovative strength.

Each of these emotions interacts with the others in a certain way and follows emotional laws that help us to better understand and control them.

The emotional laws: How emotions "work"

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The Globe of Emotions follows more than five central emotional laws:

1. Emotions mirror each other: When two people with the same emotion meet, the emotion is intensified. Example: If you go into a meeting nervous and the other person also shows uncertainty, the tension increases. If, on the other hand, one person is calm, the nervousness can be reduced.
2. Frame emotions fall: If one emotion becomes dominant, it weakens the directly adjacent emotions. Example: If strong fear dominates, anger and sadness become less noticeable - because the focus is now only on the need for security.
3. Complementary emotions regulate each other: an emotion that is too strong can be balanced by the emotion that is three positions further in the circle. Example: If fear becomes overpowering, contempt can help to create distance and regain control. Example: Contempt helps to reduce strong fear.
4. Emotions arise from unfulfilled needs: Every emotion indicates that a central need has been violated. Example: If you feel anger, it could be because your need for dynamism or justice has not been met.
5. If one emotion dominates, the needs of the framing emotions are meaningless: the main emotion directs the focus completely to its own unfulfilled need. Example: If sadness predominates, the need for connectedness or dynamism becomes secondary - instead, the desire for independence takes center stage.

These laws show that emotions do not just appear at random - they follow a clear logic. Those who understand this can consciously control their emotions instead of being overwhelmed by them.

"Are we still thinking or are we already feeling?" - Emotions as the key to the change process

Emotions as drivers of change

The book Denken wir noch oder fühlen wir schon by Christoph Theile and Nadja Kahn is about much more than just emotions in leadership - it's about change. Change is not possible without emotions, because they are the driving force behind transformation. Managers who understand and consciously manage emotional dynamics can shape change processes sustainably and reduce resistance. This is precisely why the book has established itself as a permanent fixture in the change literature and is repeatedly listed as one of the most important publications in this field.

Ratio and Emotia - the two voices in your head

To make this dynamic tangible, the two characters Ratio and Emotia were introduced in the book - the two voices in the head of the protagonist Maxi van Weller, who symbolizes the "maximum emotional wave". While Ratio stands for analytical, logical thinking, Emotia embodies the emotional, intuitive side. Her inner dialog impressively shows how emotions and rationality interact in the tense field of change and how we can learn to reconcile both sides.

The importance of emotions in the change process

Those who ignore or suppress emotions in the change process often fail due to resistance. Those who understand them and make targeted use of them create an environment in which people feel secure, valued and motivated - the basis for sustainable success. The book shows how emotional sovereignty enables managers to actively shape change instead of being overwhelmed by it.

 Invitation to the webinar: Emotions in leadership

How can emotions be used specifically in leadership and what practical tools are available? We will answer these questions and more in an exclusive webinar on LinkedIn on February 27, 2025 at 12:00 noon. Join us and find out how you can confidently manage emotions in leadership and shape the future of collaboration!

https://www.linkedin.com/events/webinarf-hrungskraftemotionen-k7294653829457858560/theater 

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