SANDTON – Just for today, imagine that the ATM is you, the cash is your negative emotions and the pin code is the only way that anyone can gain access to these emotions.
Also, try to imagine that the people in the queue are the people you come into contact with on a daily basis and more specifically, in the work environment.
One thing I have found quite entertaining to watch in the past 13 years is how people openly allow their emotions to get the better of them in the work environment and throw away promising careers. Often when I speak to frustrated young professionals, they ask the question, ‘But why can’t people just be professional?’
My answer usually includes these four things …
Vary your reactions
Often when someone has a way of winding you up consistently, it’s because they have a good idea of how you will react. When the expectation is for you to throw a tantrum, occasionally do the opposite, smile and carry on with your day.
Don’t say the first thing that comes to mind
Generally when someone approaches you (the ATM) with aggression (looking to make a withdrawal), the first thing that comes to your mind is the last thing you should be saying. Breathe in, ask a few unnecessary questions and dig deep while you buy some time to think about your answer.
Avoid e-mail rants
E-mails have a way of exaggerating the importance of the subject matter and can easily lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. If you respond with instant defense, you are starting a chain that will last for days, especially if the whole world is CCd. You are also allowing withdrawals of ‘cash’ over that period of time. In the face of an aggressive e-mail, pick up the phone and call the person or walk to their desk and talk about the issue. Again, your first sentence should not be a charged one.
Never raise your voice
The first sign that someone has given away their pin code and their cash (negative emotions) is about to get withdrawn, is a raised voice. No matter how upset something makes you control your tone. I have learnt that the most effective and painful comebacks to aggressive situations are calm and controlled reactions.
Details: www.theseedsa.org
