comment for this discussion board post: This week's conversation on emotions at work made me reflect on how often we focus on task execution while overlooking the emotional dynamics shaping how work actually gets done. In my current role, I've seen how unspoken emotional cues, like stress, frustration, or excitement, can influence everything from decision-making to collaboration. A recent example involved a cross-functional meeting where a teammate voiced concerns about change management. Instead of brushing it off, our manager paused to acknowledge the emotional tension in the room. That quick moment of empathy shifted the tone entirely. The rest of the team opened up, and we had one of our most productive conversations. It was a reminder of how recognizing and validating emotions can be a turning point in organizational communication. To delve deeper into this topic, I found an insightful article from the Washington Post titled "'Toxic positivity' denies real feelings. Here's how to do better." The article discusses the tendency to dismiss or downplay negative emotions in favor of a falsely optimistic outlook. It highlights how this approach can lead to emotional suppression, increased stress, and hindered problem-solving. The piece emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and validating all