Contagious Moods
In an exercise, Sigal Barsade analyzed 4 groups of people who were asked to distribute a limited amount of bonus money. Unknown to the other participants, an actor was assigned to display a different mood in each group.
When the actor showed high negativity — by frowning, raising his voice or tapping his pencil impatiently, for example — the group was much less likely to be cooperative and more likely to engage in conflict.
In groups where the actor displayed a positive response — say, by smiling and leaning forward — participants were more cooperative in allocating the money. The actor’s moods spread to others and influenced their actions but they were mostly unaware that this had happened.
According to Daniel Goleman, the bad moods that really hurt are the ones where you obsess and ruminate about what it is that’s upset you. At that point, the amygdala becomes overly active, to the point that you cannot focus on a task. “If you realize that you are caught up in one of these ruminating tape loops, don’t buy it. Realize that you don’t have to believe your thoughts. When we’re overly anxious or overly angry, our thinking is distorted.”
Moods have a biological component. Simple calming strategies like meditating, taking a walk or exercising have a physical effect on brain activity and may correct the mood.
Studies have shown that the mood of a team’s leader has much more impact on performance than that of other workers.
“Sunny or Cloudy, Moods Cast an Influence,” by Phyllis Korki