46. How To Emotionally Detach from Work: Transform Your Career

CAREER — SECRETS OF THE CORPORATE GAME — EPISODE 46

Ever felt overwhelmed by work stress or overly attached to your job title? In today’s Secret’s of the Corporate Game, Kendall Berg explores how to create emotional distance at work to enhance both personal and professional growth. Learn from early career mistakes and uncover practical strategies to separate your identity from your job role. Kendall highlights the importance of emotional management, effective communication, and interpersonal skills. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for senior leadership, these insights will help you navigate workplace emotions and boost your overall well-being.

Mastering Emotional Distance at Work: Practical Reaction Mitigation Tools

Understanding what you don’t want to be known for at work is just the first step. The real challenge lies in handling those triggers effectively. By developing reaction mitigation tools, you can approach difficult situations with a prepared mindset. For instance, if you’re prone to negative reactions when micromanaged, having a calm and constructive response ready can make all the difference. Instead of getting frustrated, you could say, “I’ve noticed you’re asking for more updates than usual. Is there something specific you’re trying to achieve? How can I help you more proactively?” This approach not only defuses tension but also opens up a productive dialogue.

Similarly, if you struggle with staying calm during heated exchanges, adopting a strategy where you lower your voice as the other person raises theirs can help maintain emotional distance and keep the conversation constructive. By preparing these responses in advance, you can navigate workplace challenges with greater ease and professionalism.

Building a Balanced Self-Identity

Identifying your insecurities and core beliefs is crucial for personal growth. By addressing these, you can create affirmations that counteract negative self-perceptions and guide you toward the person you aspire to be. For example, if you struggle with tying your self-worth to productivity, affirmations like “I prioritize rest well” can help shift your mindset. This practice encourages you to find balance and prioritize self-care, making it easier to detach your identity from your work.

Additionally, Kendall explains that exploring interests outside of work is vital. Many of our hobbies are linked to financial considerations, but finding activities that genuinely fulfill you can foster a well-rounded and satisfying life. Whether it’s reading, napping, or engaging in a favorite pastime, these interests can help redefine your sense of self beyond your career.

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Highlights

• 00:00 Creating Emotional Distance at Work
• 2:35 Importance of separating identity from job title
• 5:16 Creating affirmations to offset insecurities
• 7:07 Developing hobbies and interests outside of work
• 15:00 One-on-one conversations to mitigate issues
• 18:02 Identifying five things you don’t want to be known for at work
• 25:59 Managing emotional workload becomes more crucial than physical workload
• 27:32 Importance of emotional maturity in leadership roles

That Career Coach

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

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