Title: Lessons in Emotional Intelligence from Indie Rockers Big Thief
Adrianne Lenker, the frontwoman of indie rock band Big Thief, recently sat down for an interview and attributed the band's success to an intriguing factor: their emotional dynamics. Unlike the common expectation of hard work and talent, Lenker acknowledged the crucial role of emotions in their journey.
In an intriguing take, Lenker argued that their emotions "are the record." A study conducted on 138 leaders across various organizations substantiated this view, revealing a direct correlation between a higher emotional quotient (EQ) and increased team creativity. EQ enhances self-regulation against criticism and fosters empathy, both critical elements of improving creativity and productivity [1][2].
Suppose we speak of productivity in the context of "flow" - a state that leaves one so engrossed in an activity that external factors, like hunger or a bathroom break, fade away. Research by McKinsey reveals that employees who frequently work in a state of flow exhibit immense productivity, boasting at least five times greater output compared to their counterparts [3].
To achieve a state of flow, strike a delicate balance in your emotions. Engage genuinely without allowing yourself to be overwhelmed. Big Thief follows this philosophy by focusing on their chemistry, recognizing that the outcomes will naturally evolve. Lenker explains, "It's not about becoming rock stars or being the most skilled. Instead, it's about paying attention to our relationships, learning to be better friends, and making space for each other" [2].
On the contrary, suppression of emotions can lead to catastrophic consequences. Psychoanalyst Hilary Jacobs Hendel writes that emotions, by nature, carry energy that yearns for expression. Attempts to suppress these emotions can result in creative strategies, such as muscular constriction or holding one's breath [4].
Repressed emotions can even manifest in physical pain, which Dr. John Sarno, the pioneer of mind-body medicine, assimilates with Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS). TMS symptoms are often misallocated to specific injuries, but Dr. Sarno posits that 80% of back pain stems from unresolved emotions. Treating TMS requires addressing the underlying emotion, not the injury [5].
This complex interplay of emotions and productivity can be simplified by implementing a practice Dr. Kevin Kruse, the CEO of LEADx, suggests: Pause periodically throughout the day to acknowledge your emotions. Use an emotion wheel like the one below to begin labeling your emotions, progressing to more specific words as time goes by [6].
In conclusion, Big Thief's unique perspective on emotional intelligence illuminates the value of self-awareness and empathy in fostering creativity, productivity, and interpersonal relationships. Research supports this view, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation, empathy, and a balanced emotional state for enhancing team performance and individual well-being.
In light of Big Thief's approach, cultivating strong leadership often involves focusing on emotional dynamics instead of relying solely on hard work and talent. Effective leaders, as shown in the study, can significantly boost team creativity by maintaining a high emotional quotient (EQ), fostering self-regulation, empathy, and a balanced emotional state. Properly managing one's emotions can lead to enhanced productivity, as evident in the McKinsey research on flow states and their impact on output.
