I realize that crying may seem like an odd topic for an article here in the Home Business Blog, but it is actually ripped right out of my past work week. I have had some heated conversations sharing opinions about crying in business meetings and realized this had the potential to be a rather controversial topic. Of course, I wanted to know what you all had to say about the subject…
I am not such a stoic that I think that the business world should be devoid of emotion. In fact, I’ve written before about how I think there is plenty of room for emotions and sensitivity and empathy in the business world and I really believe that being in touch with one’s emotions can make a person an even better entrepreneur and business person. That said, I am not a big fan of the crying in a negotiation or presentation or business meeting.
My objection to crying is that even if it is the most sincere outpouring of emotion, it can SEEM manipulative and it asks the other colleagues or workmates to take responsibility for the crier’s outpouring of emotions. There is nothing wrong with crying, but if two parties are in a contract negotiation or trying to work out a disagreement or other work situation, and one party starts to cry–the meeting should be terminated (postponed and rescheduled) because the communication balance is gone. There is no objectivity or fair interchange if someone starts to cry.
I have several books on work relations and communication on my shelves and, from my days as a nonprofit fundraising professional–all sorts of books and articles on negotiation and asking for money. When I sat down to write this blog, I thought I’d see what the experts had to say but I couldn’t find “crying” in any of my books. Crying as a negotiation or discussion technique doesn’t even make the pages of the books.
Okay, I’ve said my piece. I know that there are those who completely disagree with me (because I’ve heard some of those other opinions this past week). I’m interested to add to the discussion and hear what you might think and how you feel about crying in business meetings?
Also: Balancing Your Heart and Head
Crying in Front of Your Children