Jan 16 2009
Keeping Your Cool
There are employees out there who make it a daily challenge to find ways to infuriate their bosses. These folks have problems that cause them to act destructively and to find ways to avoid working. That is another matter entirely.
The problem becomes then how does the manager deal with the instigator and his antics without blowing a gasket. This takes some degree of self-control, particularly when it is the same guy, pulling the same crap, day in and day out and you are just trying to do a good job and hold it all together.
Ms. Therese to the rescue. Take a long, deep breath and let it out as slowly as you can. Do this five or six times until you get a handle on yourself and your angry response. Keep in mind that the goal of the instigator is to get a big rise out of you, so don’t let him see you get mad.
After you feel yourself relaxing from the deep breathing, think about Clint Eastwood. You know how he has that low voiced, veiled anger but doesn’t let the bad guy see that he is all heated up, he just talks in that low and controlled “make my day” voice of his. Think about how you can develop your own persona in reaction to the jerk that is taunting you. Be (your version of) Clint Eastwood.
You can imagine the bad things you would like to do to this guy and you can even write down for yourself how he makes you feel, but don’t act on anything and don’t share your journal with anyone.
In the back of your mind, while this is going on, remember that what goes around, comes around and someday, this guy will get his due. Secondly, remember that though you have to deal with Mr. Ass at work, when you go home he ceases to exist for you and after all, it’s only a job. Don’t take it all too seriously. You have your health, your family and your interests. Mr. Ass is just a temporary distraction in the big scheme of things.
I hope this helps you gain a better perspective.
See my other blog at http://healthmysteries.today.com.
