Emotions. Some cultures are known for being “passionate” (read: emotional), while in other cultures it is not considered appropriate to demonstrate emotion in public. Men in the workplace equate emotion with “Personal World,” and remember, Personal World and Business World are mutually exclusive to them. Therefore, as we learned in math class, if A=B, but B does not equal C, then A does not equal C. To a man, the visible presence of most negative emotions indicates that “personal world” feelings are in play. Since most men don’t think “Personal” actions or feelings belong at work, they interpret those negative personal feelings as an indicator that all business-like logic has gone out the window. And if you’re the one showing those negative personal feelings, it can seriously impact how you’re perceived.
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