The sociologist Arlie Hochshild introduced the concept of emotional labor to highlight the emotional burdens of different jobs. Bill collectors, for example, must inure themselves from the emotional distress of the people they must harass. Doctors must deal with the emotional trauma of their patients when delivering difficult medical prognoses. Almost all service workers must endure emotionally challenging encounters with upset customers.
How CEOs Can Navigate the Emotional Labor of Leadership
Four strategies to help chief executives cope with the intense demands of being the public face of a company.
August 11, 2023
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Summary.
Although the CEO role comes with power, pay, and privilege, it also involves emotional labor, as leaders feel the toll of making divisive and unpopular decisions. This aspect of the job has become more challenging the last few years. This article offers leaders four tools to help cope with the pressure.
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Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.