Staying with the trouble in management education: Teaching in times of ecological devastation

In this time of ecological devastation, management education must also address the emotional side of the issue, because ecological action is driven by emotional forces. Therefore, we present an innovative course design that empowers students to deal with the emotional challenges of unsustainability. Based on the work of the Good Grief Network, it uses embodiment exercises and stabilizing routines to create a brave space in which students can recognize and articulate their eco emotions. This design promotes emotional resilience at the individual level, and opens new perspectives on collective concerns and opportunities for action. From this design, we derive general propositions for how educators can integrate eco-emotions into their teaching without endangering the psychological safety of their students: Transparency, preparation, teaching in pairs, an attitude of equality and awareness of one's own function as a role model for students, follow-up, and the option of non-participation are crucial elements.