Listen to this episode
On this episode
Sometimes, we find ourselves behaving in ways we’re not proud of, especially in high-stress environments. We snap, shout, or act out, not because we’re bad people, but because we’ve reached the limits of our patience or energy. These moments can harm relationships, damage trust, and create unnecessary conflict.
But recognising when we’re reaching our limit can help us step back before things escalate. Repairing relationships when we’ve behaved poorly is equally important. This means taking responsibility, apologising sincerely, and explaining – not excusing – why we acted the way we did.
No-one goes to work to make life difficult for others. But unaddressed behaviour can create a toxic environment. People withdraw, stop contributing, or even leave. This doesn’t just hurt relationships; it damages the entire team’s ability to work effectively.
Take a moment today to check in with someone you work with. Ask them how they’re doing or share something about yourself. Building those small moments of connection can make all the difference when things get tough.
Show links
More episodes of You Are Not a Frog:
- How to Challenge Upsetting Behaviour – Episode 192, with Dr Chris Turner
- How to Protect Yourself from the Guilt of Saying No – Episode 265
- How to Be Kind Instead of Nice (and Why it Matters) – Episode 260, with Graham Allcott
About the guests
Reasons to listen
- For practical strategies to manage your own challenging behaviour in high-stress environments
- To learn how to create a more compassionate workplace
- To understand the psychological and environmental factors that influence workplace conflict and how to navigate them effectively
Episode highlights
Inviting a different perspective
Fighting to win
Giving people space to change their mind
That time Chris shouted
When systems push us to make mistakes
Relationships
Shouting in the workplace
The “sin” of laziness
What to do with someone who’s having a bad day
Episode transcript
[00:00:00] Rachel: I’ve said it before, but nobody goes to work to be a jerk. Usually I say that slightly differently, but I really can’t swear in the first minute of an episode. But what happens when you are the one behaving badly? When you are having a bad day, you’re being pushed to the limit and you end up snapping at somebody. You really don’t want a reputation as a difficult colleague, but you also know you have to maintain your own boundaries. So what do you do? [00:00:25] Rachel: This week i’m delighted to bring Dr. Chris Turner…
