Is it okay to express feelings in the workplace?

Recently a workshop attendee asked me if I thought it was OK to express emotions in the workplace. 

My answer? Absolutely, 100%, yes.

In order to be effective in the workplace, you need to bring your entire self, so when you can’t or don’t share your emotions, feelings, and needs, you can’t possibly be your best. 

In Nonviolent Communication, Dr. Marshall Rosenberg shares a story about expressing his nervousness during a new teaching assignment early in his career. He actually told his students he wanted to share that he was nervous about being accepted by them. The energy in the room shifted and students immediately respond by asking questions, opening up about themselves, and expressing curiosity about the course. 

The one thing he advises, however, is to never blame someone else for your emotions. 

If you were to say to someone…“You make me so angry!”  How would they respond?

Your emotions are your responsibility. Own them with a statement like, “When you don’t proofread your work, I get very frustrated because I need the report to be accurate and error-free.”