What really drives high performance at work?

(Hint: It's not logic or process.)

We like to believe the workplace runs on rational decision-making and clear procedures.

But beneath every meeting, strategy, and team dynamic… is emotion.

🔻 Emotions power all human interaction, especially at work

🔺 They influence how we lead, collaborate, and resolve conflict

🔻 Organisational processes aren’t just followed, they’re felt

🔺 A single emotion can accelerate a career… or derail it

Think about it...

Policies get adopted (or rejected) not just because they’re smart, but because they feel right (or wrong).

People change jobs, launch projects, or resist change, because something emotional is at stake.

🔺 If we ignore emotions, we misunderstand organisations

🔺 If we understand them, we unlock real influence and insight

Emotions aren’t a soft skill, they’re the hidden engine of business.

I'm delighted that Paul Fisher, Associate Fellow at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and Director of the Oxford Programme on Negotiation, has contributed a chapter to my book. His chapter, explores the often overlooked role of emotions in negotiation, and offers insight and practical tools drawn from both research and real-world application. Paul brings a wealth of experience from leading negotiation programmes and advising organisations globally. Thank you! 👏

Far from being a soft skill, emotion is central to how organisations function and falter.

That’s the focus of my new book, 👉 The Emotional Life of Organisations 👈

I can’t wait to share it with you.

Out soon...watch this space!