Faced with high-level stress at work due to tight schedules and deadlines, co-workers you dislike, or probably an overbearing boss, can cause tempers to flare. Losing it at work sometimes happens – you have probably slammed the door at one point or another, snapped at your boss or yelled at your co-workers. You may think that because it’s “normal” you shouldn’t be worried about your petty outbursts. Well, remember that losing it is detrimental at the workplace and you may end up saying things you’d probably regret later. Above all it can affect your career or cost you your job. Here are some things you can do to rectify the situation you created and some tips on handling the aftershocks of making a spectacle of yourself when you lose it at work.

• Walk away gracefully. Fleeing from the incident may sound cowardly, but it can also be the best option to not make matters worse. Go for a brisk walk around the block or shout at the rooftop of the building. Let it all out. When you get back to your senses, calmly walk back to your office. Apologize to those whose work you interrupted and move on.

• Write a note. Taking your frustration out on somebody and lashing at that person is not only unfair, it can be taken as arrogance. But admitting a wrong is not easy for most. If you find it difficult to say sorry in front of other people, grab a pen and paper and write your admission of guilt. It’s even better if you can indicate a time and place to meet after work to personally apologize.

• Take your lumps. People have the tendency to justify their actions. Yes, you may have reasons for losing your cool, but you can regain control of the situation better if you keep mum after you lost it. Be prudent and contain the argument (the thing that angered you in the first place) in the here and now. Breathe. Save your pride by not acting too defensive about what happened. You can explain the facts directly to the person/s concerned when everything has calmed down.

• Dissociate yourself from the (angry) situation. Though it can be extremely difficult, “zoning out” for a bit may work. Think about something else to let your frayed nerves settle down. Visualize something pleasant and tranquil or maybe put on your headphones and listen to your favorite music. Distract yourself with any activity that can help you calm down. You can take stock of things better when sanity returns.

Needless to say, losing it can be disruptive and lead to a host of negative outcomes. Unbridled anger can destroy your career. It’s true that reigning in your temper doesn’t provide as much satisfaction as slamming the door does, but if you value your job and your colleagues’ respect, you better start learning to count…probably beyond ten.

Tags: job, job tips, jobs, Personal Branding, professional

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 9:54 am and is filed under Free Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.