We’ve all heard it — “Count to ten before you react.” But in the heat of the moment, anger can be a powerful and impulsive emotion that overrides reason, compassion, and wisdom. Whether at home or at work, we’ve all paid a price when we let our emotions take the wheel.
The Personal Side — The Mom-Child Dynamic
I remember a morning not so long ago. It was one of those chaotic days — running late for an event, breakfast untouched, bags half-packed. My daughter, overwhelmed and dragging her feet, said something under her breath that triggered me. Exhausted and frustrated, I snapped. The words came out too fast, too sharp. The silence that followed was louder than my voice.
Later that day, with guilt washing over me, I realized she wasn’t being disrespectful — she was just anxious. And in that moment, I had traded connection for control.
It took a deep breath — a pause — to reflect. I learned (again) that reacting in anger doesn’t resolve anything. It only creates distance. But patience, that elusive superpower, gives us the space to understand before we act. That’s where clarity lives. I am still a “WIP” in this area.
The Professional Side — In the Medical Staffing World
Now shift scenes to the workplace. In the medical staffing industry, urgency is part of the DNA. A client might pull back an offer at the last minute. A physician may decline an assignment you’ve spent weeks coordinating. A recruiter may fall short of weekly KPIs.
Recently, one of our consultants was struggling to fill a critical locum position. Tensions were high. The client was impatient, and our internal team felt the pressure. In the middle of it, the consultant sent a curt email that didn’t sit well with the client. Emotions snowballed. What could’ve been a moment for realignment turned into a reputational risk.
Thankfully, a pause — and a well-timed phone call — helped reset the tone. We acknowledged the stress, reassured the client, and worked collaboratively to find a solution. No blame. Just clarity through calm.
The Lesson
Anger is often a mask for fear, disappointment, or stress. But it clouds judgment, erodes trust, and delays solutions. Whether it’s a child learning to navigate emotions or a team trying to meet expectations, our ability to pause before reacting is what sets leaders apart.
Wisdom isn’t loud. It’s quiet. And it often arrives in the stillness of patience.
So, this week, let’s breathe before we speak. Listen before we judge. And lead — at home and at work — from a place of clarity, not chaos.