Emotions, particularly anger, have a way of escalating conflict. People may say and do things they otherwise would not in the heat of the moment. Emotions are part of being human. As William James said, “Emotions can affect and inspire thought but they can also destroy it.” Emotions have a very real and destructive impact on our thinking. Emotions can cause us to be irrational.

Have you had an emotional response create conflict or caused a conflict to escalate? How do you deal with emotions that cloud your thinking and judgment?