Humans Reflect Each Other
One person’s small changes in a room can significantly affect others. For example, when someone expresses negative emotions or shows indifference during a meeting, that atmosphere quickly spreads to others. People reflect each other. [One person’s bad day can ruin another’s.]
However, there’s no need to criticize or blame this reaction. It’s simply part of human defense mechanisms. What’s important is to recognize this shift and find a way to reconstruct it positively.
Strange Vibe During a Meeting
During certain moments in a meeting, when everyone suddenly becomes silent or the mood shifts awkwardly, it’s often because someone isn’t focused or is distracted. We naturally sense that energy and react. To prevent the atmosphere from deteriorating further, we need to take on the role of a thermostat.
Thermometer vs Thermostat
A thermometer measures the temperature of a room. When we compare human emotions to a thermometer, we act as the ones who measure the feelings of others and respond accordingly. On the other hand, a thermostat sets the temperature of a room. Instead of simply reacting to others’ emotions, it proactively changes the mood of the room into something positive and healthy.
How to Be a Thermostat
To be a thermostat, one must be aware of others’ emotions and intentionally shift the room’s energy. In other words, before negative feelings spread across the room, inject positive energy and reshape the situation.
Recognizing and Reconstructing Others’ Emotions Positively
People don’t always openly express their emotions, but their body language and tone reflect their emotional state. The ability to recognize this is a crucial interpersonal skill. It takes the capability to pick up on subtle changes in body language or tone and positively reconstruct them.
Turning Around the Mood in a Meeting
For instance, if someone in a meeting seems distracted or shows discomfort, acknowledging their emotions gently with a comment like, “It seems like you’ve got a lot on your plate. Should we take a short break and revisit this later?” can help shift the mood significantly.
Naming the Situation and Offering Solutions
Instead of guessing someone’s emotions, it’s better to clearly name the situation and ask open-ended questions to understand their needs. This allows you to reset the temperature of the room.
Improving Conversations by Recognizing Emotions
If a team member suddenly loses focus and doesn’t engage in conversation, saying something like, “Is everything okay? It seems like this conversation is tough—should we take a break and come back?” is a good way to acknowledge their needs. It shows respect for the other person and keeps the conversation flowing smoothly.
Suggesting a Break
When someone is stressed or too overwhelmed, pausing the conversation and resuming it later can be helpful. It’s important to acknowledge their situation with a gentle tone and offer a well-timed break.
Proposing a Break During a Meeting
A simple suggestion like, “It seems like today’s discussion is a bit challenging. How about we resume tomorrow?” can help improve the flow of conversation and avoid unnecessary emotional conflicts.
Conclusion: Recognizing the Role of a Thermostat and Leading Positive Change
We all have the ability to be thermostats. The key is to recognize our behavior and lead positive change through genuine expressions that respect the emotions and needs of others.
In this article, we explored how to become a thermostat, setting the energy of the room positively. By recognizing shifts in others’ emotions and positively reconstructing them, we can foster better relationships. Setting the room’s temperature isn’t just a skill—it’s a critical role in achieving better outcomes for everyone. From today, why not think of yourself as a thermostat and share positive energy with those around you?
Reference: larahogan.me, “Be a thermostat, not a thermometer”