When Workplace Situations Stir Up Emotions

When Workplace Situations Stir Up Emotions

Tension, criticism, or unclear expectations can stir up emotions at work. Discover what triggers them and creative ways to respond more mindfully.

An emotional trigger can lie in a curt message, an interruption during a meeting, or the feeling that your work has gone unnoticed. When you react before you’ve had a chance to think, it can derail the conversation and affect the rest of your day. This blog explores how to spot the early signs, name what’s affected you, and give yourself a moment before responding. Drawing or writing for a few minutes can help you sort through your thoughts and choose a calmer way forward.

Interested in this topic? Read more: Effective Strategies for Managing Emotional Triggers at Work Want to find out where you stand personally? Take a short test at the end of the page and gain a better understanding.

How does this apply to you? Choose the answers that describe you best:

Imagine that someone criticizes your work at a meeting in front of everyone. What would you do first?

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In the morning on your way to work, you're thinking, "Today it's going to be stressful again..." How will you deal with it?

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Your colleague repeatedly violates agreements. How do you perceive that?

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If your mood had a color, what would it be during a conflict?

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What does your internal "stop" button look like when you feel like you're about to explode?

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Which animal best describes your reaction to stress at work?

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What does your inner voice sound like in a tense situation?

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Which of these images helps you relax the most?

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What throws you off the most – unexpectedly and quickly?

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If you had to imagine "proper emotion management" as a character, what would it look like?

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How to Handle Emotional Triggers at Work Without Exploding (and Without Suppressing)

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