Emotional Mastery During COVID-19

Message to my negotiation masters students

Dear Negotiators,
We've spoken a bit about the importance of emotional mastery in negotiation. When we feel calm, sure, and clear we can influence others for their own benefit and our own. We can also come up with more creative solutions. This is a critical time to practice these skills. As the conflict resolvers, peace makers, service agents and healers people look to you.  You're in this program because you already offer hope, wisdom, and clarity to many people in your lives.

That said, even the healers sometimes go into a tailspin. During this time, as schedules change and our lives change tempo, care for yourselves and stop, breathe and nap when you need to. We're all in this together.

Remember, people around you might not be as in control of their emotions. Stress often amplifies how people are: depressed people become more depressed, angry people get angrier, anxious people get anxious. One way to redirect this energy is to help someone else. (I learned this from my Robbins-Madanes coach training) There are plenty of opportunities to do so. Reach out (to the strong friends too). If you all have ideas about how we can serve during this time, please share them.

Challenge #1: Inbox Colonic

In the downtime that's sure to arise, I still encourage you to clean out your email. See if you can get your inboxes down to 50!  In past semesters, people have found money, jobs and connected with old friends.
This article will help inspire you.  Connecting with others, thinking about a compelling future, and honoring your obligations can help you feel a sense of stability.

Challenge #2: Keep Imagining

One more challenge to keep your spirits up and moving forward. For 10 minutes a day (literally with a timer) sit and imagine that all of your dreams have come true. Do it for at least a month. I learned this from Martha Beck and it's strangely powerful and part of our "keep imagining" theme.