The Emotional End-Game

I do a lot of keynote presentations. I get between  45-75 minutes to engage and audience, inspire them to try something new, and give them practical nuggets they can use immediately. I’ve learned through experience that the best keynotes don’t try to cover too much material; one main message and one or two key takeaways.

I’m a guest on a lot of podcasts. Although we might cover a lot of content in 30-45 minutes, one of the most common wrap-up questions I get asked is, “What is one thing our listeners can do right away to bring more compassion to their lives?”

Here’s my answer, my one nugget that will make the biggest difference.

If you apply just one thing from my presentation or interview, do this: Disclose your emotional end-game.

Most of us want to feel happy, secure, safe, confident, connected, respected, competent, or valued. This is the emotional end-game, our emotional motives. These are OK. There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel happy or connected or competent.

Much of what we do every day is in service of these motives. When they are threatened, we step up our efforts. 

Very rarely, though, do we tell anyone about them. We argue in meetings, inexplicably advocate for certain outcomes, maneuver relationships, and engage in all sorts of passive-aggressive or passive-avoidant behaviors in service of our emotional motives. All while keeping the end-game secret from others.   

Why we hide our emotional end-game

• Afraid that others won’t care about it
• Worry that others will reject us for it
• Don’t believe we deserve to get it
• We’ve trained ourselves to avoid emotions

Why it’s the right, best thing to do

• It’s the truth, so be honest
• It lets others help you
• It builds trust and connection
• It leads to better decision-making
• It cleans up communication
• It stops passive-aggressive and passive-avoidant behavior

Compassion means treating yourself and others as valuable, capable, and responsible. Disclosing your emotional end-game is the compassionate thing to do.

Copyright Next Element Consulting, LLC 2019

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