Don’t Let Stress Turn You into a Jerk

When you’re under intense stress, it’s normal to have a short fuse. But don’t take your stress out on whoever happens to be nearby — whether it’s your assistant, family members, or direct reports. Making them bear the brunt of your frustrations will strain your relationships and hinder your resilience. Even if what’s stressing you out is out of your control — intense workload, changing regulatory requirements, a market slowdown — how you treat other people isn’t. Next time you’re under pressure, and you’re tempted to raise your voice, take a deep breath and remember not to direct your frustrations at people who don’t deserve it. See your colleagues and family members as the allies they’re trying to be.

Adapted from “The Better You Know Yourself, the More Resilient You’ll Be,” by Ron Carucci