The EmC strategy is centered around the systematic exploration of emotions present during moments of great stress, uncertainty, and volatility through a proven process that is at once experiential and holistic. The EmC strategy is designed to create emotional safety for each person who is engaged in the process so as to enhance the ability to fully discover and understand emotions, automatic thoughts, reactions, and emotional needs to build or restore strong relationships bonds. It works with individuals, in pairs, in teams, and even at organizational levels.
Emotional connection is based on the highly insightful and well-documented science of attachment theory. John Bowlby, the psychologist credited with this theory notes that having a positive sense of connection with others is essential to helping humans feel safe and sound. Susan Johnson, developer of the emotionally focused approach to strengthen adult relationships, further posits that emotional connection is a critical survival strategy for humans, and focusing on emotion and emotion-regulation allows for growth and flexible adaptations.
The Emotional Connection Process
The science of attachment theory underpins the developments, which have led to a proven methodology allowing individuals to change behaviors, long thought to be their default. We are not behavior-change agents, but rather it is the experience of emotional connection that allows people to see the changes that they wish to make to restore and strengthen their bonds with people they depend on.
Team dynamics and leadership development are particularly challenging as there are multiple individuals, emotions, aspirations, reactions, and outcomes in play, potentially leading to disconnections and disengagement. Our goal is to use the EmC strategy to focus people on the core emotions underlying their business interactions, thus creating a common ground for exploration, understanding, and eventual repair.
With over 600 cases of EmC intervention, we helped teams to invigorate creativity, innovation, and collaboration; boost engagement and wellness; build psychological safety to enhance trust and authenticity; nurture leadership throughout the organization, and foster strong relationships to create a thriving culture.
Dr. Lola Gershfeld developed the EmC process after extensive research into attachment theory and emotional connection science. For the past decade, this process has been used in numerous corporations and non-profit organizations. It is highly effective in employee engagement, conflict resolution, and building resilient teams, thereby improving psychological safety at work and creating positive interactions throughout these organizations.
