Doug NollI'm called in when human dynamics are getting in the way of strategic leadership execution.

Emotions First: The Key to Making Others Feel Safe

26 Dec 2025 · 1 min

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Brain scans show that naming someone's emotions calms their amygdala and lets them think clearly again. When you say what they're feeling, they feel understood and safe enough to open up. An example with Joe shows how labeling nervousness, worry, and sadness shifts someone from guarded to willing to share.

Chapters

What we know from brain scanning studies is when you start talking to people about their emotions, the emotional centers of their brain start to become inhibited and their executive function comes back online. So let's take this guy that's really nervous. I would say, let's say his name is Joe. I'd say, Joe, man, you're really nervous and you're worried and concerned. Yeah. And you're a little upset and distressed. You feel a little embarrassed that you're feeling this way. And it's kind of making you sad. And then stop. And the response you're going to get is, yeah, exactly. Well, tell me more. What's going on? Then he, they'll, as soon as you do that, now they feel safe. So they'll open up and tell you what's really going on. Yeah.