>However, emotional responses *can* make it extremely
>difficult to think rationally, while under their influence. When "wallowing"
>in an emotion, I think for humans it's hard not to let it interfere with
>reason.
I'm developing a short seminar on conflict resolution skills, and for
the first time am addressing the emotional aspects of communication.
Rather than present our emotional systems as something that
interferes, however, I am utilizing a concept central to Daniel
Goleman's _Emotional Intelligence_: Humans can learn to manage and
utilize their emotional systems in concert with rationality to have more
productive and happier lives. Goleman resists imposing an objective
standard for behavior, because he starts from the standpoint that
emotions are triggered through specific situations that can differ
with the individual. Possessing a self-awareness of one's own
triggers is the first step to developing an understanding of the
emotional reactions of others.
Taking this approach, then, the emotions can be incorporated as an
integral aspect of the communication process, rather than a barrier
to it.
Sin,
Kathryn Aegis