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

Stop Using Logic When Someone's Emotional

25 Oct 2025 · 1 min

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When someone's upset, logic backfires. They need to feel heard, not debated. Pause the problem-solving, listen, nod, and say things like "This really matters to you." Validation calms them down and makes them actually receptive.

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When somebody's feeling emotional, leave your logic out of it because it is completely unnecessary in that moment. Here's why: when people are upset, they're not trying to win an argument. They're trying to show you what's happening inside them. It's not about facts, it's about feelings. But most of us make the same mistake of responding with logic. We tell them why they shouldn't feel that way, or we try to solve the problem. And what happens? They shut down. So next time someone's emotional, don't jump to explain. Instead, listen, nod, and say, "This really matters to you." they'll feel understood and start to calm down. Save this video so you never forget.