Avoid these Common Missteps to Master the Art of Emotional Regulation as a Leader within your Organization

We have all been in a situation professionally where emotions are running high, and you are just trying to get the job done right! These types of situations present us with unique challenges in maintaining composure and professionalism; however, this is crucial if our goal is to be seen as a leader within our industry. Whether you are trying to build your reputation on the team as a reliable colleague or if you are working towards climbing the corporate ladder, the way that you manage yourself in your day-to-day work life is a part of your professional reputation and should not be taken for granted.

This is where emotional regulation comes in. The ability to manage and control your emotions effectively plays a pivotal role in your success personally and professionally. We are only human and we are bound to make mistakes along the way, so it is important to remember that the road to having more control over your reaction to being stressed and under pressure takes time and continuous work. A really good place to start is by setting boundaries with yourself and making it a priority to treat everyone with respect and have a consideration for their feelings. This fosters a safe and respectful work environment for everyone involved. 

The Importance of Emotional Regulation:

Emotional regulation is more than just keeping a cool head in stressful situations; it's about maintaining clarity of thought, making sound decisions, and fostering a supportive and respectful work environment. When leaders effectively regulate their emotions, they set a positive example for their team, inspiring confidence and trust. Conversely, a lack of emotional regulation can erode trust, damage relationships, and tarnish a leader's reputation.

In my time as an emotional intelligence and soft skills coach, I have worked with many corporations and these common missteps happen in almost every company I have worked with. By making a decision to start towards mastering emotional regulation, leaders can navigate difficult situations with grace, preserve their reputation, and foster positive relationships with their team members.

To help get you started towards mastering the art of emotional regulation, here are three things you should make it a priority to avoid. By creating this boundary with yourself, you start the conversation internally, and when you feel yourself about to slip into these unhealthy patterns, it will be easier for you to get out, take a deep breath, and lean into growth to be the leader you desire to be.

No Temper Tantrums!!!

One of the most detrimental actions you can make in a difficult or confrontational situation is to lose your temper. Whether directed at an individual or a group, outbursts of anger or frustration undermine your credibility and trust and break down the barriers within your team or organization. 

In a professional environment, you should always strive to remain calm and composed. It is also important to remember that you are human, and as much as you try, there will be times when your emotions can become overwhelming. If you find yourself in this situation, it is essential to step away temporarily, collect yourself, and return to the conversation with a clear mind. 

Reminder: If you do find yourself in a moment and you have lost your temper, stop. Take a breath and express that you are sorry, but that you will need a moment to think and come back to this topic. Once you have calmed down, it is imperative to admit your mistake, apologize, and ask for forgiveness so you can help rebuild trust and salvage relationships. Then move on with the discussion in a calm and open manner. 

Give Everyone Respect & Avoid Speaking Down to Others

Speaking down to someone, belittling their intelligence, or adopting a condescending tone is never acceptable in a professional setting. Such behavior not only damages your relationships with others but also creates a negative reputation for you. Instead, try to strive to maintain respect and empathy when communicating, even when faced with misunderstandings or disagreements. The goal should always be to clarify and resolve issues collaboratively, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Self Awareness Exercise: Think of a time you were spoken down to. How did it make you feel? Did it make you work or perform better? What did you think about the person after they did it? Did others look up to this person? Imagine if they had instead spoken to you with respect, how would that have changed the dynamics? What can you take away from your own experiences? Have you ever spoken down to someone? Rehearse some ways to use acknowledging and kind communication to clarify a misunderstanding or communicate a boundary, so you can manage a situation when you have more time. 

Being Dismissive to Others isn’t Professional, Elegant, or Helpful

Dismissing someone's concerns or issues as insignificant sends a message of indifference and disregard for their well-being. Strive to take the time to listen actively to others who are communicative with you. You can do this through validating concerns and offering support or solutions where possible. Even if the issue seems minor, acknowledging its importance and addressing it respectfully demonstrates empathy and builds trust within the team.

Professional Suggestion: When someone is speaking with you, engage with them and stop doing whatever else you are doing, even if just to make eye contact and acknowledge their presence. It is best to put away electronics, stop talking, or stand up when someone comes into your workspace to speak to you. This simple gesture can go a long way to make others feel heard and validated when engaging with you. 

Mastering emotional regulation is a journey worthwhile and it is essential for you for many personal reasons, but also if you desire to be seen as a leader in professional environments. By avoiding behaviors such as losing your temper, speaking down to colleagues, and being dismissive of others, you can preserve and build your reputation, maintain positive relationships, and foster a culture of respect and trust within your network. By prioritizing emotional regulation, you will be more equipped to navigate challenges with confidence, integrity, and professionalism, ultimately driving success for your professional reputation.