I recently found myself traversing through a moment of emotional transparency during a professional encounter. During a meeting with my boss, emotions bubbled to the surface, and tears inevitably followed. This left me pondering, is this a negative reflection of my professional persona?
Life isn’t always about unicorns and rainbows. Sometimes it’s akin to navigating through a storm, both on personal and professional fronts. The causes are varied – a personal loss, a worrying health diagnosis, or sleepless nights caring for a sick child. The list goes on, and so does the emotional rollercoaster accompanying these phases.
In the early chapters of my career, my resolve was clear: never to let tears surface in the professional realm. Being a young woman in a male-dominated sphere, I harbored the belief that showing such emotions would paint me in a light of weakness. I was adamant; I didn’t want to give anyone the chance to label me as weak. Yes, weak.
But as the journey progressed, reality dawned. I am human, not a machines. I have emotions. There have been more instances where tears made their appearance — in front of my boss, colleagues, and even students. And I witnessed the same from them too.
The reflections that followed were interesting, and deep. Does a moment of emotional vulnerability alter the perception of our professional acumen? Does it erode the trust, respect, or the rapport we share with our colleagues or supervisors?
Over time, the answer that resonated was a comforting ‘no.’ Being efficient, ambitious, and goal-driven doesn’t mean I am not a human. Sometimes, acknowledging our human essence paves the way for deeper connections and a compassionate work milieu.
The past few years have been a rollercoaster of challenges for many of us. The academic realm is an environment that also loves challenges. There are days when keeping up the facade of ‘all is well’ becomes an arduous task. It’s during such authentic moments, when we share our not-so-perfect realities with our supervisors or colleagues, that we tap into the essence of human connection.
It’s crucial to remember, irrespective of our positions in the hierarchical ladder, we are bound by the common thread of humanity. Emotions are not a sign of weakness; rather, they are a testament to our human narrative. Let’s foster a culture of understanding, support, and compassion in our professional settings, especially during the turbulent phases. By doing so, we are not only creating a conducive work environment but also a community that thrives on empathy and collective growth.
As we sail through the calm and stormy waters of professional life, let’s remember, it’s okay to be human. It’s okay to feel, to emote, and to extend a hand of support to each other when the clouds gather.
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