In learning about neuroscience theories and findings, I have been fascinated by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, author of “How Emotions Are Made”. Her biggest finding after researching the brain and body correlations for the last 30 years is that our brain’s most important job isn’t thinking; it’s running the systems of our body to keep us alive and well. Even when our brain produces conscious thoughts and feelings, they serve more to manage our body’s needs than we might realize.

Dr. Barrett introduced the idea of body budgeting. Just like a financial budget tracks money as it’s earned and spent, the budget for your body tracks resources like water, salt, and glucose. Each action that spends resources, such as standing up, running, and learning, is like a withdrawal from your account. Actions that replenish your resources, such as eating and sleeping, are like deposits. This process, known scientifically as allostasis, involves the brain automatically predicting and preparing to meet the body’s needs before they arise.

This understanding of body budgeting and the constructed nature of emotions has profound implications for how we function in our daily lives, especially in the workplace.

I decided to experiment with this learning alongside a client working in a consulting company. She is a team leader who was facing a challenging project with approaching deadlines. Stress levels in her team were high, and the pressure was palpable. We knew that emotions are constructed by our brains based on past experiences and predictions, rather than hardwired reactions. We agreed that in each 1:1 with her team members, she would ask them to reflect on past experiences of overcoming stress and identify actions that would improve their well-being. Each team member created their own plan. We implemented regular check-ins where team members could identify stress factors and actions needed to re-equilibrate mental health. This approach helped her team anticipate challenges and reduce uncertainty, ultimately building their confidence and focus.

Thanks to the success of this experiment, she was promoted and got to manage a much larger team across two continents. To leverage the diverse cultural backgrounds within her team, Sarah initiated “Cultural Storytelling Sessions.” Team members shared how their cultural backgrounds shaped their approach to work and stress management. This practice not only enhanced mutual respect but also introduced innovative stress-relief techniques from different cultures, enriching the team’s toolkit.

Starting with one team, you can transform your organizational culture. By viewing emotions as valuable data, you and your team can navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Your team can become more resilient, empathetic, and cohesive.

How can you apply these insights in your organization? Start by recognizing that emotions are not just reactions but valuable tools for enhancing our work environments.

Let’s embrace the power of constructed emotions to drive success and well-being in our teams!