REPORT #1685
"If someone is crying on a regular basis and it's interfering with the work, clearly it needs to be addressed."
Darcie Harris
President
EWF International
BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY
THE RISKS: It may have helped Hillary Clinton turn the tide of her campaign, but tears in your professional life are generally considered a no-no. Like it or not, women are considered by many men to be overly emotional. Crying -- without a doubt -- is an emotional reaction, so it can be a seen as a big red flag to an emotional woman. Crying can also be perceived as a sign of weakness or not being able to handle a stressful situation. In order to get ahead at work, you may want to shed the emotional, weak, 'can't handle stress' stereotype, so harness those emotions from 9 to 5 and find another way to channel those emotions.
HOW TO HANDLE STRESS: Women are socialized from an early age to be more emotional and sensitive. But don't let that hold you back! These tips from Forbes Magazine will help you handle a stressful situation -- tear free!
• If you suspect you're going to be in an emotional conversation, plan ahead. Map out what your main points are and what you want to say. That's a reliable way to remain focused and on topic without becoming emotional.
• If you feel your emotions getting stronger and your eyes brimming with tears, excuse yourself. Not only will it make you feel better, it'll make the people around you less uncomfortable too.
• Put words to your anger. Discuss the solution to the problem instead of how it makes you feel.
• Don't make it too obvious and weird, but one way to control emotions is through focusing on your breathing.
• When all else fails, remember this is business not personal. Your co-workers are, usually, not out to hurt your feelings. They're trying to get the work done just like you.
If you really must cry -- because, let's be honest, sometimes it just feels better to let it out -- find a private space where you won't be bothered or step outside. After a few minutes when you're feeling better, compose yourself and get back to business.
SMART WOMAN CONTACT:
Darcie Harris
EWF International
http://www.ewfinternational.com/
