17 Potential Emotional Triggers That Can Challenge Unprepared Leaders

Today's leaders are asked not only to bring their whole, vulnerable selves to work and to show empathy, but also to communicate clearly and perform under pressure with grace, determination and confidence, no matter the circumstance. The truth is, every leader will encounter moments that test their emotional fortitude and resilience—“triggers” that catch one off guard. How a leader responds in these situations can impact their team’s morale, level of trust and overall effectiveness.

Identifying potential emotional triggers in advance can help those in leadership positions maintain their poise and focus on finding solutions rather than reacting in the heat of the moment when such instances arise. Below, our Founder Kathleen Shanley joins 16 members of Forbes Coaches Council to share insights into specific emotional triggers leaders commonly find themselves dealing with and how to stay composed when confronted by one.

Misaligned Values

Leaders may be emotionally triggered if their values don’t align with another person’s values. For example, if the leader values transparency and collaboration, but their team hides information or proceeds without checking in, they may feel triggered. Being aware of this “values rub” helps leaders move through their emotions, maintain calm and intentionally show up in a more effective way. - Kathleen Shanley, Statice