How to cope with emotional atyachar at work

Singer Jessica Simpson broke down on stage after she forgot the lyrics during a performance. iTALK tells you how to deal with rona-dhona situations at the workplace

How to cope with emotional atyachar at work

Singer Jessica Simpson broke down on stage after she forgot the lyrics during a performance. iTALK tells you how to deal with rona-dhona situations at the workplace

If you haven't wept buckets, at least, you've fought back the tears, or resisted the temptation to slap and howl. The fact that we spend one-third of our life at work, during which we are constantly being evaluated and judged, makes for emotionally charged moments.

While crying in front of a colleague is better than breaking down in front of your boss, be sure you don't vent your feelings too often or you stand the risk of being tagged emotionally weak. MS Kirtane, Managing Director, Pegasus Institute for Excellence, says emotion (energy-in-motion) has its own place in life, and at work, and it's essential to express your feelings. "While it is okay if you breakdown once in a while, you must understand the trigger behind the emotion."

Repeat performances could

suggest that you are unable to work under pressure or take constructive criticism. Playing Superman and bottling all emotion doesn't help either. "It creates anger, it is redirected in another situation, toward a person who may not even be remotely connected to the episode."
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The solution lies in identifying the emotion (is it anger, jealousy or grief) and labelling it, so that you can gain control over it, says Kirtane.

Working junta says vent, but use discretion

HR should step in to solve matter

Kartik Raichura CEO, Management Paradise.com
It's okay to break down when emotions get out of hand. The quality of work reflects the mood you are in. If the issue is about seniors getting mad at juniors, the HR should step in to solve the matter.

Not expressing makes you hot-headed

Nausheen Mirza Senior Executive, IT Firm
Breaking down helps you release pain. It is perceived as unprofessional but those who suppress their feelings are likely to be hot-headed and impatient. Letting go once in a while is acceptable.

Let go before colleagues you're close to

Ashwin Shah Sales Executive, ITC Grand Central
Breaking down in front of colleagues, who you are close to, is the safest bet. It's likely that your senior will form an opinion about you, and might think twice before entrusting you with a challenging task.

Bhansali made Sonam cry
Sonam Kapoor was found weeping on the sets of Saawariya often, with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali expecting the world from her. Apparently, papa Anil Kapoor was asked to leave when he visited the set to speak to Bhansali about the issue.

Feel like you are cracking up? Try the Vata Shaamak

Shameem Akhtar, Yoga Expert
When there is a nervous build-up, step away from the situation. Take a brisk walk, opt for a coffee or snack break.

Practice a form of meditation called Antar Mouna, where you step back or deliberately do something to move out from the nervous build-up.

Vata Shaamak mudra is simple to practice and can be done discreetly. Press the index finger firmly down with your thumb. Do this for each hand, and hold for 3 to 5 minutes. It calms a high-stress state because it impacts the nervous system subtly but firmly.

Bosses don't like cry babies

Chand Narayan Group Head Organization Development, Network18 Media and Investments
>>Research suggests that executive success can be attributed to 2/3 emotional intelligence/competence and 1/3 technical capability. If the breakdown is due to personal problems or work pressure, it could be viewed as a career-limiting event. If a person breaks down in front of others, he/she might be viewed as emotionally unstable.
>>Frequent breakdowns symbolise a lack of capability, maturity and self-confidence.
>>Senior executives tend to recoil at such emotional displays, and could even avoid the said junior.

To keep your cool:
Avoid a public display, ask for a break, and step away from the situation. Come back only when and if confident of not breaking down.

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