In the work I do promoting emotional intelligence, convincing executives that emotions matter is a tough sell. In part, many don’t get it because they have been conditioned to seek more complex solutions to address the challenges and opportunities they face.
This New York Times opinion by David Brooks explains Mr. Rogers’ ‘magical’ way of discussing serious issues focusing on the simplicity that can reveal very deep emotional insights.
Consider the extremes, as detailed in this Wall Street Journal article, that Starbucks is going through in addressing the access to bathroom issue. I recommend that all of their executives and managers watch the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”. This would prove to be more impactful than the complex approach they have embarked on.