Crying At Work Does Not Make You Weak

Crying at work, especially if you're a woman has been a hot topic over the years and one that most deem as a huge "no no" in the workplace. Even those that are part of the "I've cried at work club" think negatively about it or beat them themselves up over the fact that it happened to them. While shedding tears at your workplace may not be the best way to express how you're feeling, it by no means infers that you are weak, thin skinned or not as professional as your peers. Too many times I've seen my friends, co-workers and even myself brutally self-criticize when they find themselves crying at their place of employment.  To me, crying at work stems from a very deep-rooted truth that you and your  employer should value:

YOU CARE

You care so deeply about what you are doing that sometimes when things get tough or don't go the way you thought it would, an unexpected nerve is hit and the waterworks suddenly come on. Crying can't take away your years of experience, your hard work and your dedication to your organization. What is says is that you are committed to making the best business impact that you can and that you are a human being - one  that has feelings and who may take things personally at times that leads to the unintended tears. Even executive leaders like Sheryl Sandberg have proudly admitted to crying in the workplace and is an advocate for emotions leading to good outcomes:

“Emotion drives both men and women and influences every decision we make. Recognizing the role emotions play and being willing to discuss them makes us better managers, partners, and peers.”

So to everyone that has cried at work, I feel for you and honor your tears. As someone who has cried at the office, I know how tears can come at the most inopportune moment and how you feel like an inadequate worker afterwards. I encourage you to stop this type of thinking and instead appreciate your emotions. Know that they come from a good-intentioned place and they don't define the type of employee you are.

Here are some more articles that support crying at work isn't the end of the world:

• Tears For Careers: Is Crying At Work Acceptable Now?

• Gloria Steinem Tells Lena Dunham: Crying At Work Is A Sign Of Power Not Weakness

• 9 Reasons You Should Never Feel Bad About Crying At Work

With so much love & gratitude,

Brittany