Keep the drama inside and get the job done. When you are in a position that influences others, whether as a leader, business owner, parent, educator, or mentor, one of the most important assets you can have is emotional regulation.
Viktor Frankl, the renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, emphasized the power of choice in difficult situations. He said, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” This reminds us that no matter what happens around us, we always have the ability to decide how we react, and that choice shapes our lives.
This brings me back to a seminar I hosted last November at an education learning center in Wangaratta. About twenty minutes into my message, a man yawned. Wanting to ensure that everyone felt engaged and cared for, I decided to check in with him right in front of the group. Gently, I asked, “Are you okay, Tom?” (To protect his privacy, I will call him Tom.)
Without hesitation, he replied, “I feel sleepy.”
If you were in my shoes, how would you have responded?
I saw it as an opportunity rather than a disruption. Instead of feeling offended or allowing the atmosphere to become dull, I smiled and said, “Come on up. Should we get up and do a little shimmy?” As I demonstrated a playful body movement, the energy in the room shifted. Laughter spread, and we successfully carried on with the seminar.
Interestingly, after the event, Tom approached me. He shared his story, thanked me for the message, and apologized for yawning. He explained that he had a long day and had driven one and a half hours to attend the seminar at six in the evening. I took a moment to thank him, not only for his effort in being there but also for his yawn, which gave me a chance to reflect on my own emotional regulation.
Unexpected challenges are almost inevitable when leading a group, raising a child, running a business, or working as an educator. The more people we aim to influence, the more surprises we should anticipate. However, it is entirely up to us whether we react with frustration or transform the moment into an opportunity for connection and growth. As Frankl’s words remind us, in that space between what happens and how we respond, we hold the power to shape the outcome.
At the end of the day, emotional regulation is not about suppressing feelings, it is about managing them in a way that aligns with our purpose. Challenges will come, but they do not have to derail us. Instead, they can serve as reminders of our ability to pause, choose our response, and lead with clarity and grace.
Because true leadership, whether in business, family, or community, is not about avoiding disruptions but about navigating them with wisdom, resilience, and a little bit of humor.
Want to learn more? Visit www.ccwithin.com for insights on personal growth, leadership, and embracing your authentic self.
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