Controlling Emotional Outbursts at Work

Most days at work are fine, but we all have those days when we get a little choked up, teary eyed, or overly upset about the little things. Added stresses of a large work load, pressure from the boss, lack of sleep, and other frustrations all add to emotional outbursts. But at most places of employment wearing your heart on your sleeve is not only taboo but may cause you to miss out on promotions, or worse you may get fired. Usually a confrontation of some sort will set your heart racing and you feel yourself wanting to have a mini break down. If this behavior is frequent or disrupting you may want to get a handle on it or risk loosing your job.

In the workplace it is not acceptable to yell and scream, cry, damage property, or threaten violence on others. If this is a common occurrence for you, and for some people it is, you should either take some time off work to relax or see a counselor immediately, or both. At work you need to control your emotions no matter what the various stresses are. From generation to generation society as a whole seems to become more fluid and loose in terms of what behaviors are acceptable. There's definitely been a change in the workplace over the last decade and it's not good.

Emotional outbursts at work disrupt the flow of productivity and create unnecessary drama. Other than internal work issues small break downs can also be influenced by outside problem such as a death, marriage issues, drug abuse, and money troubles. But, it's no excuse. Work is work and everything else is life. First of all, no one should be crying at work, male or female. Yes, maybe once a year we have a really bad day and can't help it but on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis it is not acceptable.

And don't just think that emotional outbursts affect only women. Men too have trouble dealing with frustrations, exhaustion, and stress. Some men and women become the workplace bully and their day is mostly comprised of humiliating or undermining others. At the other end of the spectrum are the people who also have anger issues but do nothing and then one day just explode. Yes, you have the right to your feelings but at work you are expected to stay focused and professional.

When it comes to displaying violence as a way to show your feelings that is not acceptable either. Smashing your computer screen on the floor or threatening to punch Tom in the face is not going to prove a point. The only thing that kind of behavior proves is that you may be dangerous to others in the workplace, which presents a whole new set of problems. If you are having anger management difficulties speak to a manager or human resources about seeking counseling. There's no shame in asking for help and knowing when to take it.

When you cry at the work place you may appear to others as childish, unstable, or weak. For most of us, this is not an image we want to portray in business. Although it is sometimes better to just cry for a few moments to relieve the pressure you should always do it in private, especially if you are female. When people see a female cry it's like vultures flocking to prey and everybody wants to know what happened. Explaining the drama over and over again will only intensify your feelings when what you should be doing is trying to calm down.

Yelling and screaming in the workplace never got anybody anywhere. It's not only embarrassing for you but 99% of people do not listen when someone starts screaming. You may have intense feelings but there is never a need to yell. When speaking to others in the workplace you should avoid demeaning and threatening tones, as they will get you in trouble for sure.

If there ever comes a time when you have to face the boss about your emotional behavior at work remain calm. Never apologize for yourself or the way you were feeling. We all have emotions and it's your right to feel them. Apologizing only makes you seem pitiable and people will think less of you. If you have to explain just say that your outburst was due to a passionate need to succeed and do a good job. You never meant to get carried away and you hope they understand your convictions. And that's it, say nothing more. Once the problem has been talked about it private, drop it. Don't mention it ever again, to anybody. If you dwell on the problem it's harder to keep moving throughout the day.

It is important that anyone who has a job learn how to develop workplace coping skills. Take a 5 minute break, take a deep breath and count to five, or excuse yourself to the restroom. What really counts the most when it comes to emotional outbursts at work is not only how you handle the situation, but how you handle the aftermath as well.