Emotions are natural feelings that can be triggered by external stimuli such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures, temperature, thoughts, beliefs, memories, etc., which lead to physiological changes within the body. These changes often affect behavioral responses like facial expressions, gestures, vocalizations, actions, reactions, etc. Emotions also play an important role in regulating cognitive processes like decision making, problem solving, reasoning, judgment, planning, communication, attention, memory, etc. Therefore, emotional impulses should not be suppressed but managed effectively to maintain healthy social interactions.
In professional settings, people usually follow certain norms and etiquettes to keep their work environment safe, organized, efficient, productive, peaceful, respectful, etc.
When attraction threatens these long-standing professional norms, individuals may experience intense emotional impulses that challenge them to control or suppress.
If a boss is attracted to his/her employee, he/she may feel a strong desire to touch, kiss, hug, date, flirt, spend time with, romance, etc. this person beyond the boundaries of professionalism, leading to awkward situations for both parties. In this case, self-regulation becomes necessary to avoid consequences like termination, lawsuits, harassment claims, etc.
Self-regulation involves recognizing and identifying emotional impulses, evaluating their intensity, determining the best course of action, and taking steps to prevent or manage them. This can involve mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, relaxation practices, self-talk, visualization, cognitive restructuring, etc., which allow individuals to focus on the present moment, stay calm, rationalize feelings, overcome urges, reduce stress, and make better decisions.
One way to regulate emotional impulses is by understanding one's own triggers and creating strategies to cope with them.
An employee who finds himself/herself sexually attracted to his/her boss may practice being polite, formal, distant, friendly but not intimate, businesslike but not personal, professional yet not sexual, respectful yet not intrusive, attentive but not seductive, responsible but not flirty, etc. Another way is by practicing self-control through physical distancing, time management, role play, assertiveness training, communication skills, boundary setting, problem solving, conflict resolution, etc.
An employee may set up ground rules regarding physical contact, limit interactions outside work hours, schedule breaks at a safe distance from the boss, seek advice from colleagues or HR personnel, set boundaries regarding what they will do and won't do, etc.
Emotionally charged situations at work should be dealt with sensitivity and maturity to maintain healthy relationships, productivity, morale, reputation, image, integrity, credibility, longevity, growth, etc. Individuals should recognize their triggers, assess risks, develop effective coping mechanisms, and refrain from overstepping boundaries while managing expectations and perceptions.
How do individuals regulate emotional impulses when attraction threatens to override long-standing professional norms?
Individuals may employ various strategies to manage their impulses of romantic interest in order to avoid disrupting existing relationships and social expectations. Some people might choose to suppress their feelings for someone they work with by avoiding interactions that could lead to intimacy or focus on positive aspects of their current relationship. Others may seek support from friends or family members who can help them maintain objectivity and perspective.