Navigating Emotional Waters in Schools: Becoming an Emotionally Adaptable Leader

Emotions impact leaders in multiple ways. The current pandemic has exacerbated the stress on all school personnel and the emotional impact can impact health and work performance. While research has examined workplace related emotions for years, the growth of the concept of emotional intelligence spurred greater interest on the impact of emotions on employee and leader performance. But few studies have specifically considered the impact of emotions on leaders given the roles and duties they perform (Ginsberg & Davies, 2007; Ginsberg and Multon, 2011a: Ginsberg & Multon, 2011b). While leadership studies suggest differing styles and approaches depending on circumstances, climate and conditions, research has not considered the kind of leadership approaches relevant for leaders impacted by the emotions they deal with daily, their emotionally-laden reality. This study examines the research on emotions, emotional intelligence, and the work-related tasks in schools that spark emotional reactions. Then, following a discussion of leadership studies on emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, resiliency and related concepts, complexity leadership, crisis and cutback management, and several recent leadership approaches related to improving performance, a framework is offered for becoming an emotionally adaptable leader. The paper concludes with ideas for short-term coping and long-term thriving for emotionally adaptable leaders.