Have you ever had to de-escalate an emotionally charged situation at work?

Sarah Kebea

July 14,2022 at 4:23PM UTC

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Have you ever had to de-escalate an emotionally charged situation at work?

Emotional management in the workplace is not often talked about but is crucial to be up to speed on. If you've ever been in an emotionally charged situation at work, how were you able to de-escalate it?

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AnonymousJuly 14,2022 at 8:32PM UTC
First, acknowledge the other person's feelings or frustrations. Next, say you'd love to help fix things. Then, fix them or explain why you can't fix them. And then offer to call in a supervisor with more authority. Keep your own cool. Remember that it's not personal, and that they may be having a bad day or rough patch and the thing that happened is just one. last. thing.
Sarah KebeaJuly 15,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
Thank you for sharing this! I agree, it's important to not take these situations too close to heart- you never know what the other person is going through in their personal life.
IntentionGirl630054July 14,2022 at 9:06PM UTC
I was taught to acknowledge that the person clearly was concerned about the issue, and to say "let's get together on this when you've had a chance to take a break. We can then discuss this more calmly" However, the one time a manager started screaming in a meeting at everyone, we were all gobsmacked. I thought about it after, and realized it would have been a good time to practise "Crucial Conversations" ;) someday, I will be ready.
AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 3:22PM UTC
I've been the emotionally charged person in the workplace and over a situation where I felt like I was speaking up about bias and instead my attempt to stand up for myself was viewed as aggression.
"Tears of privilege confronted" were cried and I had to back down before they "assistance pleased" me. Honestly what helped me most in that situation was having a chance to walk away and go in a different area. Take a breather. And come back once I gathered myself.