Your authority is challenged in a team meeting. How can you effectively manage your emotions?

When your authority is challenged in a team meeting, the first step to managing your emotions effectively is to stay calm. It’s natural to feel defensive or frustrated in such situations, but maintaining your composure is crucial. Staying calm allows you to think more clearly and respond in a way that preserves your professionalism and the respect of your team. Tip: Take a deep breath and pause before reacting. This brief moment of reflection can help you gather your thoughts and prevent an emotional outburst. Remind yourself that staying calm is key to handling the situation with grace and authority.

Honestly, I would be hurt in the moment my authority is being challenged as a result of my ego being bruised however I know better than to react in that time. Often taking my emotions out the situation and listening critically to what’s being said. I may not how it’s being said but the point made is there’s something I didn’t do right so I’ll listen. After the situation, I will take time out to critically evaluate what was said and approach the individual when I’m in a better position emotionally and he/she is too and express how that situation made me feel and if there’s a need for such to happen I’d appreciate it being done without questioning my authority & addressing the issue at hand. Choosing my words carefully, being assertive.

Staying calm not only avert misjudgements, but also help to difuse tensions. More often than not, the person challenging you feels respected and gain self confidence

Keep your cool like you’ve got an invisible cape of calmness. You’re not just a leader—you’re a zen master. Best leaders do not react emotionally in the moment.

Controlling emotions in meetings and (video) calls is tough because they’re deeply rooted in our biology. When challenged, our instinct is to react quickly (increased heart beat, breathing) but staying composed is key and not easy. To stay composed, try to pause before responding, acknowledge your emotions and focus on listening actively. By maintaining control, you can navigate difficult situations with professionalism and turn challenges into opportunities. The more you practice, the better you become. The calmer you are, the more mature you are (perceived).

Active listening is essential when your authority is challenged. Instead of immediately defending your position, focus on understanding the other person’s perspective. Active listening shows that you value their input and are open to discussion, which can defuse tension and foster a more constructive conversation. Advice: Make eye contact, nod to show you’re listening, and refrain from interrupting. Paraphrase what the person has said to ensure you’ve understood their point, such as, “So, what I’m hearing is that you feel…”. This approach demonstrates that you’re taking their concerns seriously.

Give the person challenging you a chance to fully express their point. This shows that you value their input and are open to feedback, even if you disagree.

Active listening to your peers is a value added to your leadership.You should be a good listener from all sides. Either it’s positive or negative, make the good out of it.

Por mais difícil que seja ouvir uma crítica ou ser desafiado, é importante praticar a escuta ativa nesses momentos. N?o apenas para tentar rebater o que foi dito logo na sequência, mas para realmente prestar aten??o no que o outro tem a dizer. Muitas vezes, é a partir das críticas que identificamos pontos de melhorias e desenvolvimento. No entanto, em um primeiro momento pode ser doloroso aceitar a perspectiva do outro, principalmente quando traz à tona nossas sombras. E mesmo nos casos em que considerar que o outro n?o tem raz?o em seu ponto, a escuta ativa ainda assim é importante para refletir sobre quais s?o os argumentos mais estratégicos para abordar em uma futura conversa.

After listening, take a moment to assess the situation fairly. Consider the context of the challenge—why is the person questioning your authority? Is it a matter of miscommunication, a difference in opinion, or an underlying issue within the team? Assessing the situation objectively helps you respond appropriately without letting emotions drive your reaction. Solution: Ask yourself questions like, “Is there validity to their point?” or “What is the root cause of this challenge?” Understanding the underlying reasons can help you address the issue more effectively and with empathy.

For women, especially women of color, assessing challenges fairly is critical for leadership growth and team trust though it can be difficult. Women of color often face biases that can impact how their leadership is perceived. When faced with a challenge, practice self-reflection; objectively evaluate the merit of the feedback. This not only fosters personal growth but also demonstrates emotional intelligence, a trait linked to more effective leadership. Acknowledging valid points and adjusting your approach if needed can enhance your credibility. Data suggests that leaders who openly adapt based feedback are seen as more inclusive-crucial for building trust and increasing influence, notably for women and women of color in leadership roles.

A fair assessment is vital. Is there validity in the challenge? A correct balance between damage to you authority for future decisions or leadership and doing the right thing and keeping the team spirit. The result of this evaluation will impact the response and it is severity.

Según Maxwell, tanto de los halagos como de las críticas más o menos ofensivas, hemos de tomar un 15%. Estoy muy de acuerdo. ?Qué quiere decir ésto? Que no todos los halagos son sinceros y tampoco las críticas. Sin embargo, unas y otras siempre nos ofrecen información valiosa para revisar y ajustar nuestras actitudes, sin que afecte negativamente a nuestro estado emocional. Todo lo contrario, cualquier forma de feedback ha de ser valiosa y útil para un líder.

Evaluating the situation objectively is essential when your authority is challenged. Rather than taking the challenge personally, assess the merit of the concerns raised. Are they valid? Could they lead to a better outcome for the team or project? By objectively considering the challenge, you can respond in a way that is fair and focused on the team's best interest. This approach not only helps resolve the immediate issue but also reinforces your reputation as a fair and balanced leader who prioritizes the team's success over ego.

When responding to the challenge, do so respectfully and with a focus on maintaining a positive team dynamic. Even if you disagree with the person, it’s important to respond in a way that acknowledges their perspective and preserves their dignity. A respectful response can turn a potentially confrontational situation into a collaborative discussion. Note: Use calm and measured language, and avoid being defensive or dismissive. You might say something like, “I appreciate your perspective, and I think it’s important that we explore this further.” This shows that you’re open to dialogue and are committed to finding a solution together.

Assess whether you feel comfortable responding respectfully... or whether you need some time. It's totally fine to say "I hear what you're saying and to be honest I feel a little blindsided. I really want to respond constructively and I'm going to need a little time to reflect. I'd like to schedule a 1/1 to discuss this more deeply."

Pode ser bem desafiador manter uma comunica??o respeitosa nos casos em que você se sente ofendido por algum motivo. Justamente por isso n?o é bom reagir em um primeiro momento. Recomendo absorver os feedbacks, por mais difíceis que sejam, refletir sobre os mesmos e, só depois disso, voltar a conversar com a pessoa que promoveu a “agress?o”. A comunica??o tende a ser mais eficaz, fluida e empática quando a calma predomina. E nem sempre isso é possível no momento em que os animos est?o à flor da pele, ent?o aqui entra o poder da inteligência emocional.

La comunicación respetuosa y clara es esencial cuando se abordan desafíos dentro de un equipo. Al responder a las críticas o desacuerdos con respeto y sin menoscabar las perspectivas ajenas, se fomenta un ambiente de trabajo positivo y se refuerza la madurez emocional. Este enfoque no solo ayuda a mantener la armonía del equipo, sino que también establece un estándar profesional para el manejo de conflictos. En última instancia, una respuesta respetuosa contribuye al desarrollo de un liderazgo efectivo y a la creación de un entorno colaborativo donde todos los miembros se sienten valorados y escuchados.

A respectful response is critical in maintaining your authority and the respect of your team. Even if you disagree with the challenge, acknowledge the other person's viewpoint without dismissing it. Your response should be measured, focusing on facts and logic rather than emotions. By treating the challenger with respect, you model the behavior you expect from your team, reinforcing a culture of professionalism and constructive dialogue. This approach can help turn a potential conflict into a productive discussion.

Rather than focusing on the challenge to your authority, shift the conversation towards finding solutions. Encourage the team to discuss the issue collaboratively and work towards a resolution that addresses the concerns raised. This approach not only demonstrates leadership but also reinforces your commitment to the team’s success. Tip: Facilitate a discussion that involves everyone in brainstorming possible solutions. Ask questions like, “How can we move forward from here?” or “What can we do to resolve this issue together?” Engaging the team in problem-solving can turn a challenging moment into an opportunity for growth.

Buscar solu??es, em vez de focar apenas nos problemas, é uma abordagem proativa e positiva que pode transformar desafios em oportunidades. Quando enfrentamos dificuldades, é fácil se deixar levar pela negatividade ou pela frustra??o, mas o verdadeiro avan?o ocorre quando direcionamos nossa energia para encontrar alternativas e resolu??es.

Instead of dwelling on the challenge, shift the focus toward finding a solution. Engage the team in problem-solving by asking for their ideas and suggestions. This approach not only defuses tension but also empowers the team to take ownership of the outcome. Collaborative problem-solving reinforces your role as a leader who values input and is focused on achieving the best result. It also demonstrates your ability to turn challenges into opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Na minha experiência, direcionar a conversa para encontrar solu??es em vez de focar no conflito é o melhor caminho. Questione como vocês podem trabalhar juntos para resolver a quest?o em discuss?o.

Los desafíos presentan una oportunidad única para que un líder efectivo demuestre su habilidad para guiar a su equipo hacia la resolución constructiva de problemas. Al enfocarse en soluciones colaborativas y no en la confrontación, se promueve la cohesión y se fortalece la capacidad del equipo para enfrentar futuros retos. Este enfoque no solo resuelve el problema inmediato, sino que también establece una base sólida para el crecimiento conjunto y el éxito a largo plazo. En última instancia, la habilidad de convertir los desafíos en oportunidades es lo que define a un líder inspirador y transformador.

After the meeting, take time to reflect on the situation privately. Consider what triggered the challenge and how you handled it. Reflecting helps you learn from the experience, identify any areas for improvement, and ensure you are better prepared for similar situations in the future. This self-reflection is key to personal growth and continuous improvement as a leader. It allows you to refine your emotional management strategies and reinforces your resilience and adaptability in leadership roles.