The Body Never Lies: How Emotions Show Up—and Shape Teams
Written By Chad Truby
At Peak Gravity Leadership, we believe the path to high performance starts within. And science backs us up.
A fascinating study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (see chart below) mapped where emotions are felt across the human body. Joy lights us up from head to toe. Anger activates the chest and arms. Shame drains us. These emotional signatures aren’t just “in our heads”—they live in our bodies, and they show up in every interaction we have.
Your Emotional Intelligence Becomes Your Superpower
Whether you're in a corporate boardroom, on a sports field, or organizing volunteers for a cause you care about, your emotional intelligence becomes your superpower. The more self-aware you are, the more you understand how your body language, tone, and words land on others. And with empathy, you don’t just sense how others are doing—you adjust accordingly.
When you bring presence, care, and clarity to a team conversation, you create an emotional ripple effect. You energize your teammates. You foster trust. You build momentum. That’s how High Performing Teams operate: they don’t just do the work, they feel aligned doing it.
On the flip side, when self-awareness is low, emotions leak. Have you ever walked into a meeting and you could “feel the tension in the air?” That’s because the energy we bring to a situation transfers to others. Others can literally “feel” your energy. Frustration, defensiveness, or blame creep in—and suddenly the whole team is in a fog of negativity. It’s not just unproductive—it’s contagious.
3 Actions to Elevate Team Performance through Emotional Intelligence
Pause and Check In
Before reacting, take a breath. Ask yourself: What am I feeling right now—and why? A few seconds of awareness can prevent hours of fallout.Watch What You’re Signaling
Your body speaks before your mouth does. Pay attention to your posture, facial expressions, and energy. Ask: Is my presence helping or hindering connection right now?High Performance Tip - Be sure to have your Camera’s on during virtual meetings and/or collaboration! Non-negotiable for High Performing Teams.
Lead with Curiosity, Not Judgment
When a teammate seems off or reactive, resist the urge to assume. Instead, ask: What might be going on for them? Empathy opens doors that defensiveness slams shut.
What Happens When Teams Level Up Emotionally?
This isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about performing better. When emotional intelligence becomes part of a team’s DNA, companies see real results:
More creativity and innovation from psychological safety
Fewer sick days and burnout due to reduced emotional friction
Faster problem-solving and better collaboration
Stronger retention and engagement
Increased productivity—and profitability
In short: Emotionally intelligent teams don’t just get along—they get results.
The Takeaway
Emotions aren't invisible. They're embodied, contagious, and deeply influential in teams. Leaders with emotional intelligence can turn everyday interactions into moments of clarity, connection, and elevation.
High performing teams don’t just execute—they regulate, resonate, and rise together.
References:
Nummenmaa, L., et al. (2014). Bodily maps of emotions. PNAS.
Barsade, S. (2002). The Ripple Effect: Emotional Contagion and Its Influence on Group Behavior. ASQ.
Bradberry, T., & Greaves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. TalentSmart.
Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams. ASQ.