Embracing the power of ambivalence

Embracing the power of ambivalence

Emerging research suggests that being a relentlessly positive leader may not be the best approach. For example, sharing emotional ambivalence in cooperative relationships can unlock the type of problem solving that makes everyone better off.

Naomi B. Rothman, Brianna Barker Caza, Shimul Melwani, and Kate Walsh | Harvard Business Review

Ambivalence is simultaneous experience of both negative and positive emotions about something. Many leaders think being positive is the safer, better approach to expressing emotions at work. But emerging research suggests that being a relentlessly positive leader may not be the best approach. For example, sharing emotional ambivalence in cooperative relationships can unlock the type of problem solving that makes everyone better off.

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Rothman, N.B., Barker Caza, B., Melwani, S. & Walsh, K. (2021) Embracing the power pf ambivalence, Havard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/09/embracing-the-power-of-ambivalence