Wed Sep 11 23:50:25 UTC 2024: ## How to “Be the Thermostat” and Calm the Emotional Temperature at Work

**[City, State] -** We’ve all been there: a meeting with “weird vibes,” a tense one-on-one where someone seems distant, or a colleague who’s visibly stressed. It’s easy to get caught up in the emotional energy of others, mirroring their mood and potentially escalating the situation. But what if we could instead be the calm in the storm, the thermostat that sets the temperature for the room?

According to [Author Name], a coach for managers and leaders, understanding how we’re influenced by the moods of those around us is key to navigating workplace dynamics.

“Humans are wired to mirror each other,” explains [Author Name]. “If someone’s having a bad day, their negative energy can affect everyone around them.” This is especially true when someone’s “amygdala-hijacked,” experiencing a strong emotional response that triggers a fight-or-flight reaction.

Instead of passively mirroring these “vibes,” [Author Name] encourages us to become “thermostats.” This involves recognizing when someone’s emotional temperature is off and taking steps to reset it.

**Here are some tips from [Author Name] on how to “be the thermostat”:**

* **Acknowledge the shift.** Openly acknowledging that the energy in the room has changed can be a powerful way to reset the temperature.
* **Ask open questions.** Instead of guessing what’s going on, ask questions like “How are you feeling?” or “What do you need right now?”
* **Use calm tone and body language.** Maintain a relaxed tone, make soft eye contact, and lean in slightly to convey a sense of attentiveness and support.
* **Offer a pause.** If someone’s overwhelmed, offer a break or reschedule the conversation for later.

[Author Name] also emphasizes the importance of owning your role in escalating situations. If you’ve contributed to the tension, acknowledge it and take steps to repair the damage.

**Being the thermostat requires practice and awareness, but by intentionally setting a calm and supportive environment, we can create a more positive and productive workplace for everyone.**

**For more tips on navigating surprising human emotions at work, check out [Author Name]’s video course on “Dealing with Surprising Human Emotions.”**

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