It's easy to lose your temper at work when the computer runs slowly or meetings turn tense. Fortunately, you can train yourself to keep your cool so you'll be seen as a leader and excel at your job.
Learn to work well under pressure, and gain your colleagues' trust by appearing confident and relaxed. Practice these ideas for keeping your composure or restoring it quickly.
Preventing emotional outbursts is the safest approach. Take control of your emotions to reduce the risk of having a meltdown.
1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Appreciate the mind-body connection. Taking care of your physical health prepares you for emotional stability and serenity. Eat a nutritious diet, exercise daily, and enjoy good quality sleep.
2. Think positive. Remind yourself of your talents and achievements. Give yourself a pep talk when you're trying to satisfy a demanding customer or figure out how to use a new app.
3. Spot your triggers. Maybe time constraints or interpersonal conflicts are at the root of your anxieties. Most employees will find that their personal challenges can be sorted into a few general categories. Identify the areas where you want to develop more effective habits.
4. Set realistic goals. Perfectionism can undermine your career. Review your to do list to ensure that it's feasible. Focus on your highest priorities. Look for tasks that you can delegate or drop.
5. Choose your words carefully. Count to 10 when you find yourself tempted to speak harshly. Stick to the facts and encourage cooperation.
6. Watch your body language. To be credible, your smile needs to match your words. Scan yourself from head to toe. Unclench your jaw and lower your shoulders. Catch yourself before you roll your eyes or furrow your brows.
7. Take a break. If possible, schedule your toughest assignments for the times when you're at peak performance. Postpone a sensitive discussion for later if you need to calm down and sort out your options.
Even the most unflappable professional can have a day when their temper flares. Quick and skillful action will help you to smooth things over.
1. Accept your emotions. Embracing your feelings is the first step in managing them. You can choose how to act whether you're concerned about layoffs or irritated with a client who pays their invoices late. Be honest with yourself about how you feel while you concentrate on your desired outcomes.
2. Hold yourself accountable. Accept responsibility for your decisions. Maybe you criticized your assistant in public when a private session would have been more considerate and productive.
3. Apologize sincerely. Let your colleagues know that you value them and regret any actions that may have had a negative impact on them. Offer to repair the situation if possible. Be patient if it takes time to heal your relationship.
4. Welcome feedback. Your boss and coworkers may want to have their say about the situation. Deal constructively with criticism so you can benefit from others who may have a different perspective on what happened. Listen attentively and avoid interrupting. Follow up to let people know that you're grateful for how their observations have helped you.
5. Learn from experience. Adversity is a powerful teacher. A difficult day at work may wind up advancing your career if you gain the wisdom to handle similar situations more gracefully in the future.
Impress your colleagues with your poise and patience when the copier jams or an important package winds up being delivered to the wrong address. Maintaining your composure at work enables you to triumph over uncertainties and frustrations.