EP138: Leadership and Life Insights from "Inside Out 2"
EVERY EMOTION HAS A PURPOSE
Even in leadership.
Enjoy!
Listen Here:
(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
In this episode - I'm so excited to share some insights from the movie "Inside Out 2," and how it can enhance your perspective as a leader and in life in general.
You might be wondering why I'm talking about a Disney/Pixar movie on a leadership podcast. It’s simple: my approach to leadership has always been about developing leaders from the inside out, a nod to the original "Inside Out" movie. By understanding and leading ourselves first, we can become the most effective leaders for others. This new installment, "Inside Out 2," offers several valuable insights that are relevant to both leadership and personal growth.
The Story Recap
In "Inside Out 2," released in June 2024, Riley is now 13 and entering high school. Her trusty emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger—are joined by new ones: Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment and Ennui (boredom). These emotions navigate Riley's experiences and her evolving sense of self. The story revolves around Riley attending a weekend ice hockey camp where she is trying to earn a spot on the high school team and the chaotic effect of new emotions on her internal world.
Leadership Insights from the Movie
Here is a recap of just some of the leadership insights from the movie:
1. Embracing Emotions in Leadership:
Leaders often hear that emotions should be checked at the door. I completely disagree. Emotions are part of the human experience and they significantly influence our actions. Understanding this can help us be better leaders and create more authentic connections with our teams.
Personalities Evolve:
One major takeaway is that personalities are not static. They evolve with new experiences and memories, just like Riley's personality islands. This is crucial for leaders to remember about themselves and their teams. Awareness of these changes can help in harnessing strengths and understanding areas of improvement.
3. Suppressing Emotions Doesn’t Work:
Joy's attempt to suppress Riley's negative memories is a reminder that suppressing emotions is not a long-term solution. As leaders, it is essential to acknowledge and address emotions rather than ignoring them. This fosters a healthier work environment and avoids unhelpful outcomes like burnout or resentment.
4. Emotional Intelligence:
The movie highlights the importance of emotional intelligence. By recognizing our own emotions and understanding others', we can navigate team dynamics more effectively. This understanding helps in managing stress, maintaining composure, and fostering a supportive team environment.
5. Vulnerability and Authenticity:
Vulnerability in leadership builds trust. Acknowledging emotions openly can strengthen team bonds and create a psychologically safe space. This doesn’t mean acting on every emotion but rather being transparent about them and showing that it’s okay to feel.
6. Anxiety and Leadership:
Anxiety, depicted as a new main character, is a powerful emotion, especially for leaders under stress. Learning to balance and manage anxiety is crucial. It often points to areas of concern and need for preparation, but it shouldn’t paralyze us. Recognizing its protective role allows us to address issues proactively.
Final Thoughts
“Inside Out 2” beautifully illustrates that every emotion has its place and purpose. This holistic view of our inner world can transform how we lead others. Embracing our full spectrum of emotions and evolving personalities can foster deeper empathy and resilience in our leadership journey.
What Do You Think?
If you've seen "Inside Out 2," what lessons did you take away from it? How do you think these can apply to your leadership style?
Head over to my Instagram account and send me a DM - - let me know what you come up with!
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