01/17/2024

How Powerful Phrases Can Chill Hot Emotions at Work

Drama at work can be career-ending and contagious

When people are fired up, angry and defensive, it is tough to have a productive conversation. One reason it is so tricky to de-escalate an emotional conversation is that when these emotions kick in, they are contagious. One person gets defensive, and the other person responds in kind. "Why are you getting angry? Can't you see how right I am? What's wrong with you?"

This cycle escalates until someone storms off, slams a door, turns off their camera or commits one of those "career-limiting activities," like saying something they regret or heating fish in the break-room microwave. (Followed closely by burning microwave popcorn. Never use the microwave in anger–especially if you work at home.)

Nothing resolves. Frustrations and resentments build up and poison the work. But, if you can learn how to de-escalate these emotional conversations, you’ll give yourself and your coworkers the gift of a path forward.

Please select this link to read the complete blog post from Let's Grow Leaders.