Teen Exec Question of the Week

September 23, 2025

You’re working on a group presentation when one teammate makes a comment that feels unfair and critical of your part. You feel your face get hot and you want to snap back at them.

What’s the best first step to handle this situation as a leader?

A
Tell them their work isn’t perfect either and point out their mistakes
B
Take a deep breath, pause, and respond calmly after you’ve collected your thoughts
C
Walk out of the group meeting to cool off and deal with the problem later
D
Pretend you’re fine, but silently hold a grudge against them for the rest of the project
👈🏼 CLICK HERE TO REVEAL THE BEST RESPONSE

Best Response: B

Explanation: Emotional regulation means noticing your feelings without letting them take over your actions. By pausing and taking a deep breath, you give your brain a chance to switch from a reactive mode (fight-or-flight) to a reflective one. This lets you respond thoughtfully instead of escalating conflict. Leaders who manage their emotions model maturity, build trust, and keep teams focused on solutions instead of drama.

Let’s look at the other options:

  • A might feel satisfying in the moment, but it makes conflict worse. Retaliation damages team trust and shifts focus away from the project.
  • C avoids immediate conflict, but it also avoids resolution. Walking out can leave the team confused or resentful, and the problem often gets bigger when ignored.
  • D keeps the peace on the surface, but unspoken resentment can poison teamwork. Strong leaders address issues directly, not by holding grudges.

Takeaway: Emotional regulation isn’t about ignoring your feelings. It’s about managing them so you can choose how to respond. The pause you take before speaking often makes the difference between conflict and collaboration.

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