Based on a study, moods and emotions greatly impact workplace creativity, with recent findings highlighting the role of emotional complexity. Specifically, the focus shifts from intrapersonal to interpersonal influences between leaders and subordinates. Research reveals that leader emotional complexity (LEC), characterized by alternating displays of happiness and anger, stimulates follower creativity by enhancing cognitive flexibility. However, LEC also leads to self-regulatory resource depletion, which compromises creativity. Additionally, trait epistemic motivation affects the effects of LEC on creativity. In conclusion, leader displays of emotional complexity can be both inspiring and tiring for followers.

Image courtesy of interviewee. January 10, 2024