Emotions at Work |Leila's House of Corrections

It s often difficult to keep our emotions in check at the workplace, especially during times of upheaval. As a manager, you need to know what to do and not do when voices are raised or tears start to flow. So Come on managers, it s time to learn about emotions at work.

We ve all been taught, especially women, that showing your feelings in the workplace is a kiss of death for your career. That s extreme, and I don t think it s true anymore. We spend so much time at work that it s impossible not to become emotionally involved and also bring fears and distractions from your life into the office. Managers must respond gently and confidently when employees show high levels of emotion. Here are some best practices.

#1: Don t ignore it.

A common knee-jerk reaction, when we see tears and emotions at work, is to disregard them: to walk away. Bad move, manager. To the person crying, that says you don t care at all. It comes across as heartless and cowardly.

#2: Remember emotional reactions are sometimes hard to prevent.

Tears, flushed faces, or raised voices are the physical manifestations of stress or worry. They are passion turned upside down. Given a choice, the employee would most likely choose not to exhibit these reactions. Who wants to cry at work?! No one!

#3: Determine the source of the pain.

What s going on? Employees are stressed and exhibit emotional extremes from weeping to yelling for two primary reasons: something at work or outside of it is worrisome. Figuring out what s going on is tricky yet necessary. You, the manager, need to address work-related situations such as conflict with a coworker or pressures to meet deadlines that cause people to exhibit emotions in inappropriate ways. If you learn something outside the office is causing pain like a family or medical issue it s time to get guidance from your HR department on available resources.

Most people want to be successful at work. Occasionally, that means an exasperated expression or sob will escape. Don t judge that employee. Don t sentence someone as overly emotional or unsuitable because of one or two outbursts. That s unfair. Instead, view the emotion as passion and shape it. If you can learn how to guide the feelings of your team members, you will turn anger, frustration, and stress into passion, engagement, and enthusiasm.