Cherolyn Knapp, a workplace conflict expert from the High Conflict Institute and experienced lawyer and mediator, shares her insights on emotional management in professional settings. She discusses the phenomenon of emotional contagion and how unmanaged emotions can escalate conflicts. Cherolyn introduces practical techniques like the 'calm before think' approach, grounding exercises, and positive self-talk to foster resilience. The importance of investing time in emotional management is emphasized, demonstrating how it can enhance productivity and workplace harmony.
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insights INSIGHT
When Emotions Become Reactive
Emotions are normal but become problematic when they trigger reactive fight/flight/freeze responses.
Those reactive states impair thinking and escalate workplace conflict if not dialed down quickly.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Stop, Breathe, Then Act
Stop and take slow breaths to signal your brain it's safe and move from reactive to calm.
Use that calmer state to choose options instead of mirroring chaotic energy.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Calm To Set Limits
From a calm place, set limits, pause the meeting, or move a difficult conversation offline as needed.
Calm doesn't mean yielding; it means staying present and assertively managing the situation.
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Managing Workplace Emotions: From Reactivity to Resilience
In this episode of It's All Your Fault, Megan Hunter is joined by Cherolyn Knapp, a workplace conflict expert from the High Conflict Institute. Together, they explore the crucial topic of emotional management in professional settings, offering practical strategies for leaders and employees to handle heightened emotions effectively. Cherolyn brings her extensive experience as a lawyer, mediator, and workplace investigator to provide valuable insights into managing difficult situations and maintaining professional relationships.
Understanding Emotional Contagion Megan and Cherolyn discuss how emotions spread in workplace settings - similar to WiFi - and the importance of being aware of this phenomenon. They emphasize the distinction between experiencing emotions and reacting to them, highlighting how unmanaged emotions can escalate conflicts and disrupt workplace harmony.
The Power of Emotional Regulation The conversation delves into practical techniques for emotional regulation, including the crucial "calm before think" approach. They explore how taking even a brief moment to regulate emotions can lead to better decision-making and more productive interactions. The discussion includes specific strategies like grounding exercises and positive self-talk that can be implemented immediately in workplace settings.
Time Investment in Emotional Management A significant portion of the episode focuses on why investing time in emotional management isn't just beneficial - it's essential for workplace efficiency. Megan and Cherolyn explain how taking short breaks to address emotional situations can actually save time in the long run by preventing larger conflicts from developing.
Questions we answer in this episode:
What does unmanaged emotion look like in the workplace?
How can leaders help team members who are experiencing emotional outbursts?
What immediate steps can anyone take to regain emotional control?
Why is emotional regulation crucial for workplace success?
How can we break the cycle of emotional contagion?
Key Takeaways:
Emotions are contagious in workplace settings
Breathing exercises can quickly restore calm and rational thinking
Grounding techniques using five senses help manage emotional reactions
Positive self-talk is a powerful tool for emotional regulation
Small time investments in emotional management yield significant returns
This episode provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to improve their emotional management skills in professional settings. Whether you're a leader managing team dynamics or an employee navigating workplace relationships, the practical strategies and real-world examples offered by Megan and Cherolyn provide a comprehensive toolkit for maintaining emotional equilibrium in challenging situations.
All of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.
You can also find these show notes at our site as well.
Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing general patterns of behavior. Nor are we providing legal of therapeutic advice. Please seek the assistance of your local professionals to seek help.
(00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
(00:41) - Managing Emotions
(01:22) - Welcome Back, Cherolyn!
(01:58) - Cherolyn’s Background
(04:32) - Where and How to Display Emotions
(06:17) - Our Feelings and How We Express Them
(07:58) - Unmanaged Emotions
(10:17) - Bringing Someone Down
(14:59) - Things to Avoid Doing
(17:59) - Take the Time
(19:55) - Grounding
(23:31) - Positive Self-Talk
(27:08) - New Ways for Work Coaching
(29:40) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: Borderline Personality Disorder
It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People 
