Model of Emotion Management for U.S. Army Leaders

摘要

Emotion management may be particularly important for effective Army leadership in certain performance domains. In addition to typical leadership tasks such as providing performance feedback, resolving conflicts and team- building activities, Army leaders must perform in potentially volatile and high stress situations, handle life or death decisions, interact with individuals from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and address issues related to living over-seas. These reflect some of the important performance contexts facing Army leaders in which emotions can play a significant part. This research proposes a model of emotion management intended to form the basis for training Army leaders. The model integrates several areas of emotion research, including emotional intelligence, emotion regulation, and emotion expression. Specified in this model are four key domains that could potentially be enhanced through training interventions, including 1) emotion knowledge, 2) emotion skills, 3) situational moderators, and 4) emotion relevant performance domains. The model also notes the importance of considering individual differences in developing emotions management training, as well as organizational support for this kind of training initiative. Propositions regarding components of this model are suggested to advance theoretical understanding of emotion management concepts, specify directions for future research and identify implications for training leaders in emotion management. Finally, existing training programs of emotion management skills are reviewed with respect to the content areas described in the model.