Being a small business owner comes with a ton of responsibility. One of the most important things small business owners need to remember is the effect that emotions have on the business, and most importantly, your employees. As a small business owner, you are the role model, spokesperson, and face behind your business. You assume a leadership role as your employees and customers look up to you. As a leader, it is important to be emotionally stable and in control to manage your business and employees. Let's take a closer look.

Positivity
As the leader and one in control, it is essential for small business owners to be positive. It communicates that you are ready to take on any challenge optimistically. Positivity also comes in the form of being inspirational. Tell your story and how you got to where you are today to motivate others to think positively as well. It is important to remember that employees' moods are just as important as the owners'. Employee positivity keeps employees happy, confident in their job situation, and improve their job performance. This employee positivity is supported by upper management. Employees seek the approval of their manager and do so by doing great work.

Without the positivity of upper management, employees are more likely to not take their work seriously, be timid rather than aggressive at pursuing various opportunities, and fear losing their job. To avoid this, and encourage positivity throughout the office, managers need to show that they appreciate the work that their employees are doing. Remind them on a constant basis. Try an "Employee of the Week" spotlight or provide incentives. To boost morale and encourage positivity, provide surprise bonus rewards to jump-start productivity.

Negativity
A negative emotion coming from the owner of a small business is contagious. A negative owner for a small business means there is no optimism for the future, nor for the present moment. This negativity transfers right to the energy of all the upper management and the rest of the employees. It affects job performance by the employees, and one little problem could cause for trouble.  A majority of the time, negativity stems from a problem with how the business is doing. Any time there is a financial mishap, a slowdown in sales, or problem in the office, negativity arises.

It is important to stay in control with these emotions, especially during troubling times, to not give your employees a reason to become negative. During a difficult time in your business, be honest with your employees, but keep your emotions in check. State the obvious, but leave the anger, frustration, sadness, and fear out of it. Honesty is important so the employees know which direction the business is going in. Keep the emotions in check by being honest, yet optimistic and hopeful for the future. It establishes leadership, keeps the business on track, and keeps employees happy. Take control and never forget the effects of your positive and negative attitude.

How To Keep Yourself in Check

• Know your business-related fears. Once you know what you are most afraid of at work, such as financial troubles or a slow in sales, you can take on your fear and handle it professionally. Have a plan of action ready.
• Know yourself. Think back to how you have reacted in the past to certain situations, how you handled them, and what others thought. Think about how these reactions would affect your business setting and employees.
• Take a break. Before letting your emotions get the best of you, stop and think. Break from the usual habits of reacting right away and think your reactions through.
• Emotions can't be helped. They are bound to happen, especially in a business setting. As a small business owner, learn to control these emotions by thinking ahead, preparing for every situation, and keeping a level head.

Being a small business owner means being professional and controlling your emotions. Know yourself, when you need to take a break, and think about the consequences of your actions to ensure respect and a productive workplace.