Calming Down |Leila’s House of Corrections

What did you do the last time you were in a heated conversation and you felt yourself ready to explode? Did you? Did you end up yelling, waving your hands widely, and storming away? None of these tactics is the most effective way to manage, so let s learn how to stay cool. Come on managers, it s time to learn to calm down.

Today s managers and leaders are personally invested in their careers and roles: they care about what are they doing. And that s why emotions often bubble up to the surface in day to day work. If you didn t care about your job, you wouldn t feel angry, sad, or excited about what you re doing. Unfortunately and we ll all seen it happen and probably done it ourselves emotions do get out of control. To prevent yourself from doing and saying things you are going to regret, consider these tips.

Tip 1: Keep your hands down.

It s really tempting to use your hands to express your frustration by waving them around or wagging your finger at someone. Instead, keep your hands out of the picture. If you are sitting down, put your hands in your lap or even tuck them under your legs. If you are standing, put your hands behind your back. Keep them out of the way and out of someone s face.

Tip 2: Look away for a moment.

This is one time when breaking eye contact can be useful. Look away for a moment, such as down at your notes or to the side. Take several seconds to give your mind time to carefully select the next thing to say. Looking away will help you control your emotions.

Tip 3: Lower your voice.

Purposely speak in a lower, softer tone of voice. When you speak softly, it is more difficult for you to speak faster and with emotion and hence, harder for your emotions to take over. Being passionate is appropriate as long as you re being polite. We ve all made the mistake of letting our emotions get the best of us. But when we do that, our peers and team members see the worst in us. You ll succeed as a manager if you work hard to appear in control, with emotions in check.