Maybe you wonder what's really going on when you feel like certain employees push your buttons. Take control of your emotional triggers by increasing your awareness and engaging in practices that develops new ways of responding.. Your employees may not always remember what you say to them, but they will definitely remember how you made them feel!
1. Journaling. Tracking your triggers is often the first step in mastering them. It might be helpful to keep a log of occasions when you experience intense emotions or engage in behavior that is harmful to the workplace environment. Note what's going on in your head and in your surroundings at the time.
2. Self-Challenge. The key to change is placing yourself in difficult positions and being open to doing something new and more constructive. If worrying about team performance is keeping you up at night, be open to receiving difficult feedback from your employees.
3. Establishing capacity. Proceed at your own pace. Start out by setting better boundaries in your personal relationships, if you need to practice before addressing issues in your business.
4. Identifying alternatives. Take advantage of quiet times to brainstorm new strategies you can use when you are under pressure. List productive and enjoyable activities you can substitute for habits you want to break.
5. Prioritizing relaxation. Reducing daily stress will make it easier to handle intense emotions. Begin a daily meditation practice or start out the day by listening to instrumental music during your drive to the office.
6. Therapy. If you’re having trouble making progress on your own, professional help could make a big difference. Ask your physician or people you trust for references or call the psychology department at your local universities.
7. Living healthy. One simple way to make yourself more resilient is to take good care of your body and mind. Eat right, sleep well and exercise regularly. You'll be better prepared to bounce back from conflict and obstacles that may arise throughout the work day.
8. A strong support network. Close family and friends are vital to feeling validated and nurtured. However, it's important to invest time in connecting with other professionals with similar roles. When you're dealing with stubborn issues, it's good to know you have people who care about you and want to help.
9. Demonstrating compassion. The more you know about your own triggers, the more insight you can develop into what the people around you may be struggling with. Strive to be a little more patient and forgiving and your team will be more likely to do the same for you. We all have our own unique emotional triggers. Learning to handle them constructively enables us to fix the issues that get in our way.