Pssst...Your Character is Showing

"A person's character can be measured by that which makes him angry."

Mark Twain

Recently I overheard a conversation between two people who work together. We were at a coffee shop where they were using loud indoor voices, so it was quite easy to hear their conversation from a table a few feet away.

Apparently, one of their bosses, whom I gathered is the VP of Sales or Account Services, went on a rampage in the office earlier this morning. She was yelling in the office about a client who cut back a project which has been in the works for months. The VP ranted about the client within earshot of employees on her team, along with anyone in their offices, and threw a stapler across the office.

The employee was upset about the incident, although it did not sound like she was the target of the rampage, and was emotional when filling in her coworker.

Is it reasonable for the VP to be upset about the project and budget change? Sure. Is it reasonable for the VP to scream in the office? No.

No, it is not reasonable for an adult to behave like a two-year old who doesn't get her way. Professional adults, at all levels, need to be in more control of their emotions than a two-year old.
Professional adults do not scream at others, nor do they throw supplies around the office.

Professional adults need to understand the impact of their emotions. When the VP showed lack of control for her anger, she gave those around the impression that she is immature and unable to handle adversity. In fact, that impression was given beyond those around, as it was also given to each person those people told.

In a time when emotions are running high and people are stressed out, company leaders need to maintain control of their emotions. They need to understand the impact their emotions have on others, and they need to know how best to maintain control. In a time when the ability to handle adversity is essential, leaders need to consistently and constantly demonstrate Emotional Intelligence (EI).

Employees are always measuring leaders' behavior and making decisions based on what they see. If a leader shows lack of EI, employees will not follow, believe, or trust her. Character shows all the time, especially when times are tough. Measure up.