How to Manage Emotions in the Workplace

Some people are more emotional than others. Whether it is a Hallmark commercial or a tough conversation, when their blood pressure starts to spike for whatever reason, their first reaction is tears welling up in their eyes. This makes managing emotions in the workplace all the more challenging. If this sounds like you, don't write yourself off as a hopeless crybaby.

There are many different opinions about emotions in the workplace. Some people think they are fine and show humanity, others think they have absolutely no place. Either way, poorly managed emotions at work are linked to low productivity―and no one feels good after crying in front of their boss―so it is important to put your best foot forward at all times.

You might be wondering if it's possible to check your emotions at the door or to channel your feelings at work in the right direction. But, for real, is it even possible to completely leave your emotions at home when you go to work? The key is not to squelch these feelings, but to manage them.

Follow these tips to help you manage your emotions and channel them into productivity.

Manage Your Expectations

Having high expectations walking into a meeting or conversation and then having it go completely in the opposite direction can be very upsetting. This is why walking into most meetings with a truly open mind is your best bet to avoiding a meltdown in the conference room.

Face it: Some people are just rude. They will tell you a project you have worked on for months is horrible and you have to start again. In most circumstances, this would warrant crying in the workplace. Instead, be focused on the task at hand and not on the actions of your (rude) colleagues or directors. Be realistic about the fact that things may not go your way so it doesn’t catch you off guard.

Also set realistic expectations for people. Try not to get hung up on holding your superiors to an incredibly high standard.

Find a Confidant

Having at least one person in your office that you can confide in and express your emotions to is incredibly important. Unfortunately, these people can sometimes be hard to come by but finding one is a gem you should never let go.

After a stressful meeting when all you want to do is cry or scream, chat with this person and get out all the anger and frustration. They will most likely understand how you feel. It is tough for your significant other or friends to relate to your frustration at work because they aren’t there. Having someone in your office that deals with the same irritations and challenges as you can truly save your sanity and make your emotions in the workplace less likely to come out at ill-opportune times.

Don’t Take It Personally

Passion. It's great for creating a motivated and inspired team, but it can also create very heated and sometimes personal arguments. Go into every project meeting thinking, "This is my work, not me, and if people hate it, they don’t hate me, they just don’t agree with the work." This is the best way to not to get all swept up and emotional in a meeting. It definitely helps to go for a walk after and let your frustrations out, but during the meeting, focus on the project and the project only.

Maybe It's Time for a New Job?

If you're spending too much time and energy managing emotions in the workplace—yours or someone else's—it could be time to look for a new job at a company that doesn't grind you down so hard. Want some help with that? Make a free profile on Monster to get started. We can send you custom job alerts, recruiter information, career advice, and much more. Work doesn't have to be so emotionally taxing.