Feed the Elephant, Not the Machine: Why Emotions Matter in the Workplace

The Elephant and the Rider metaphor, introduced by psychologist Jonathan Haidt in his book The Happiness Hypothesis, illustrates the dynamic between two aspects of human behaviour.  The Rider represents the rational, analytical aspects of our mind while the Elephant symbolises our instinctive, emotional side, driven by feelings and desires. The Rider can guide the Elephant to some extent, but if the Elephant decides to move in a different direction, the Rider's control is limited due to the Elephant's size and strength.

Chip and Dan Heath, in their book Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard, further emphasized that effective change requires addressing both the Rider and the Elephant. They suggest that providing clear direction to the Rider and motivating the Elephant by engaging emotions can facilitate lasting behavioral change. In a VUCA world, this two-pronged approach is critical.

However, at work,  emotions still tend to be played down and viewed with suspicion. The shift from agrarian lifestyles to industrial labor in the first Industrial Revolution (late 18th Century to early 19th Century) introduced a "factory model" of work, emphasizing efficiency, standardization, and uniformity. Beyond just the manufacturing sector, the workplace today prioritizes rigid processes and procedures to achieve efficiency over employee well-being and creativity. Emotions are viewed as potential disruptions to productivity and labelled “unprofessional”, leading to a culture where emotional expression is discouraged. Five hundred years later after the dawn of industrialization and technological change, we are still squishy human cogs in the wheels of economic progress being primed through our education systems to work with and for machines.

Feeding the Machine:

“Feeding the machine" refers to focusing solely on efficiency, metrics, and processes

1. Employee Disengagement: Focusing solely on efficiency can make employees feel like interchangeable parts, leading to decreased motivation and engagement. ​

2. Stifled Innovation: An overemphasis on standardized procedures may discourage creative thinking, hindering the organization's ability to adapt and innovate. ​

3. Increased Turnover: Neglecting employee well-being can result in higher job dissatisfaction and turnover rates, as individuals seek more fulfilling work environments.​

Instead, "feeding the elephant" means acknowledging and addressing employees' emotional needs, fostering a supportive environment that values feelings and personal experiences.

Feeding the Elephant:

1. Recognize Emotional Well-being: Understand that employees' emotions significantly impact their performance and engagement. Create a culture where expressing feelings is accepted and supported.​

2. Encourage Open Communication: Promote transparent dialogues where team members feel safe discussing challenges, ideas, and emotions without fear of judgment.​

3. Provide Supportive Leadership: Train leaders to be empathetic and responsive to the emotional needs of their teams, balancing task management with genuine care for individuals.​

4. Foster Work-Life Balance: Implement policies that support employees' personal lives, recognizing that well-rested and fulfilled individuals contribute more effectively.​

5. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge both professional milestones and personal growth, reinforcing a sense of value and accomplishment.​

By focusing on these strategies, organizations can create environments where employees feel valued not just for their output but also as individuals with unique emotional landscapes. This approach leads to increased motivation, creativity, and overall well-being, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the organization.

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