Stay on an even keel in the face of adversity

The American Management Association - one of a growing number of institutions worldwide to run seminars in emotional management - teaches practical steps to positively channel emotions, especially during times of increased pressure.

The American Management Association website offers pointers on how to take charge of stressful circumstances and perform at your best.

The result, it says, is enhanced job performance and a more productive and understanding workplace. The key, according to the association, is to maintain an even keel in the face of adversity.

Rely more on yourself to decipher emotional triggers.

Receive criticism without getting hurt feelings.

Transform pressures from chores to challenges.

Listen objectively to what others have to say.

Recover quickly from mistakes and errors in judgment.

"No, it's not possible to check your emotions at the door when you punch a time card," says Sally Planalp, adjunct professor at the Waikato Management School.

"You can try to ignore them, suppress them, or tone them down when you come to work, but you can't eliminate them. Nor can you shed your work feelings when you get home like changing clothes.

"Often emotions carry over from one context to the other in subtle or not-so-subtle ways."

American Management Association