Dances with doves, hawks and eagles: Realising the potential of emotion during simulation

"The Learner approached the steep white steps leading down to the simulation suite, hastily scribbled notes under her arm, her mind alive with the task ahead. As she pushed through the door, she was greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the almost-clinical space. The Learner offered a hesitant smile to her fellow students and silently rehearsed the simulation mantra, planning her strategy as this week's team leader. Her mind wandered to who would be facilitating the session. Would it be the Dove, supportive and kind, ready to extend an olive branch if things got out of hand? Or the Hawk, intense and expectant, introducing unanticipated twists and turns if it all seemed to be going too well. Perhaps it would be the Eagle, steadfast and reliable, inscrutable until it was all done bar the talking. In the end, did it really matter? She would get through it, and there would be time to reflect on what was, and what could have been. A, B, C, D, E …"