Emotional energy Quote by Adam M. Grant
““Not surprisingly, negative relationships were stressful. When officers felt undermined by their closest coworker, they were less committed, took more unauthorized breaks, and were absent from work more often. What happened when the undermining colleague was also supportive at times? Things didn’t get better; they got worse. Being undermined and supported by the same person meant even lower commitment and more work missed.* Negative relationships are unpleasant, but they’re predictable: if a colleague consistently undermines you, you can keep your distance and expect the worst. But when you’re dealing with an ambivalent relationship, you’re constantly on guard, grappling with questions about when that person can actually be trusted. As Duffy’s team explains, “It takes more emotional energy and coping resources to deal with individuals who are inconsistent.” In””
About This Quote
Source Journal Article: “The Cost of Ambivalent Relationships,” 2021
Mixed signals from a coworker increase stress and reduce commitment, leading to more absenteeism and breaks.
In simple terms: Inconsistent support harms work performance.
Key Takeaway
Seek consistent, reliable colleagues.
Themes
workplace dynamics
stress
commitment
trust
ambivalence
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
research‑based
informative
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- performance reviews
- conflict resolution
- employee well‑being
Key Concepts
psychological safety
resource depletion
leadership
team cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify ambivalent coworkers?
- What strategies reduce emotional drain?
A Different Perspective
Not all ambivalent relationships are harmful; some may foster growth.
