Don't let workplace annoyances rock your boat. How? By mastering emotional resilience. I used to begin each workday like a calm pond, only to be disrupted by coworker drama - for example, an unwanted escalation pointing fingers at my team when a simple call would have cleared up the misunderstanding. These irritants felt like a metaphorical boulder upsetting my inner calm. The water churns, emotions rise, and finding the right response was a struggle. We all face situations that test our emotional resilience – a passive-aggressive email, an outburst in a meeting, a looming deadline. But here's the good news: You have the power to choose your response. As Viktor Frankl famously said, "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." Developing emotional resilience isn't about suppressing your emotions or pretending everything is fine. It's about recognizing the space between the trigger and your reaction and using it to choose a mindful response. Here are three tips: 1. Take a Deep Breath: When you feel your emotions rising, take a few slow, deep breaths. This simple act can activate your body's relaxation response and help you regain composure. 2. Reframe the Situation: Instead of letting negativity take over, try to reframe the situation in a more positive light. Perhaps a difficult colleague's behavior is due to their own stress, not a personal attack. 3. Develop Pre-Planned Responses: For particularly tricky situations, consider having a few go-to phrases on hand. For example, if someone is being disruptive, I'll say, "Let's take a moment to refocus and get back on track with the agenda." By practicing to take a breath, reframing challenges, and choosing my responses, I've been strengthening my emotional resilience. What is your best tip for staying cool under pressure at work?
One of the way is to give it time and not to react immediately. Time soothes emotions and logic prevails. We can pick up the phone and speak. Many times story turn out to be different when we get into details ....
Very well written
Well written reminder Karthik. I'd like to draw attention to becoming aware of the rising inner disturbance as it is happening and before you do anything about it. Meditations are often referred to as a key here - I wonder if that's how your 'calm like a pond' day starts :)
Love this! I have a few tips 1. Assume positive intent 2. Repeat what they said (it might surprise them and given them an out to rephrase) 3. Lead with empathy.. everyone has a bad day 😊 I also remind my kids "don't let anyone steal your sparkle"! 🌟
Remaining calm in the midst of chaos and pressure has a tendency to diffuse the situation in general. It's not always immediate though, which makes it difficult. In addition to #1, #2 and #3, reminding myself that staying calm is often the only productive option helps me weather the storm.
Enjoying your posts Karthik!
This is SO important. Nothing worse than returning from your weekend to hear complaints & unhappiness. My tip - don’t buy into it & let nobody steal your joy.
Thanks, Karthik. Needed this today.
Cisco | Product Leadership & AI Strategist | CPQ, GTM, & Sales Order Management | STEM MBA, Technology & Product Management | Driving Digital Transformation
1yMy mum once wrote me a note which listed 3 things I should consider before responding to a situation : 1)Is it important ? 2)Is it changeable ? 3)Is my reaction appropriate? Only if the answer to all 3 questions were Yes ,should one even respond. All your points are spot on and they add to my framework :)