How Do You Lead When You're Triggered?
We've all been there: the meeting turns tense, someone pushes your buttons, your heart rate spikes and before you know it, you're reacting in a way you regret.
But here's the truth:
"Emotional reactivity doesn't disqualify us as leaders. Avoiding it does."
In this episode, we're diving deep into one of the most overlooked leadership challenges: how to lead when you're emotionally triggered.
✅ Learn why emotional intelligence isn't about never getting upset but recognizing when you're hijacked and knowing what to do next.
✅ Hear real-life stories from competitive golf blowups to family award-ceremony meltdowns that show how easy it is to get hijacked (and how to recover).
✅ Discover actionable tools to move from default reactions to intentional responses.
As Eric explains:
"High-level leaders aren't those who never get hijacked. They're the ones who recognize it quickly and know how to respond."
We'll explore:
✔️ The science of emotional hijacking (your amygdala vs. your executive brain)
✔️ How triggers act as dashboard lights, not condemnation
✔️ The power of naming your default patterns and replacing them with conscious choices
✔️ A simple but profound question that transforms moments of anger or shame into opportunities for leadership:
"How does the best version of me respond in this situation?"
Research backs this up:
Leaders with high emotional intelligence outperform their peers by up to 20% in team engagement and decision quality (Goleman, 2018).
90% of top performers in organizations have high EQ, while only 20% of low performers do (TalentSmart).
Emotional self-awareness is repeatedly linked to better leadership outcomes, reduced conflict, and healthier team cultures (Harvard Business Review, 2019).
We also talk about the cost of staying hijacked: lost time, broken trust, spiraling conflicts. As we mention:
"It's not just me paying the price. It's the whole environment."
Finally, we share practical steps you can use immediately:
✔️ Spot your emotional patterns
✔️ Name your triggers
✔️ Pause and ask the right questions
✔️ Shorten your recovery time
✔️ Lead yourself and others with calm and clarity
If you're ready to stop letting emotional hijacks sabotage your leadership and start using them as signals to grow, this episode is for you.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to master emotional hijacks and become the leader people want to follow.
Are you ready to unlock your full potential and lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction?
The MPWR Podcast, hosted by Eric Pfeiffer, CEO of MPWR Coaching, is your go-to space for transformational conversations, powerful insights, and practical strategies to help you step into the next level of your leadership journey. Whether you're scaling your business, seeking greater alignment in life, or stepping into your calling—this podcast will challenge, inspire, and empower you.
Want more tools to accelerate your growth? Head over to mpwrcoaching.com where you'll find free resources, game-changing books, and programs designed to elevate your mindset, build resilience, and transform the way you lead—from the inside out.
🔥 Subscribe to the MPWR Podcast on your favorite platform.
📲 Follow Eric Pfeiffer across social media (links available on the website).
🌐 Access our free mini course here!
🔗 Check out our Leadership Framework System
🎧 Enjoyed today's episode?
If this conversation challenged or inspired you, we'd love for you to help us spread the impact.
Share it with a fellow leader, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and—if you got value—leave us a quick review on your favorite podcast platform.
Your reviews help more leaders discover the MPWR Podcast and step into the influence they were made for.
And remember—
Be the leader YOU want to follow.
See you next time.
