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Ever found yourself thinking, “How am I meant to stay calm when everyone else is losing it?” In this fourth episode of our Thriving Workplace Cultures mini-series, we explore how to stay professional and compassionate; even when others aren’t.

From gossip and eye-rolling to stress-fuelled reactions and toxic tension, we look beneath the behaviour to uncover what’s really going on. Fear, insecurity, and burnout often sit at the heart of unhelpful behaviour, and recognising that can help us respond with empathy rather than reactivity.

We unpack practical strategies to handle these situations with confidence and care: how to set clear boundaries, use emotionally intelligent language, and adapt communication for different personalities, whether you’re dealing with fiery, fast-paced colleagues or quiet, detail-focused ones. We also explore the concept of compassionate engagement (caring personally while challenging directly) and why managing yourself first is the most powerful way to change the tone around you.

Listen if you want to:

• Stay calm, confident and professional under pressure
• Learn simple phrases to de-escalate tension and protect your boundaries
• Understand what drives toxic behaviour — and how to respond without getting drawn in

Try this this week:
When faced with difficult behaviour, take a breath and ask yourself, “What’s this really about — and what energy do I want to bring to it?” Because professionalism isn’t about perfection; it’s about self-management in the moments that matter most.