The Look & Sound of Leadership · Essential Communications - Tom Henschel

7 Steps to Stop Emotional Hijacks

·17 min·1 clip

Tom shares his surgery recovery and repurposes a five-year-old episode on emotional hijacks.

This episode presents a seven-step method for managing emotional reactions in professional settings, hosted by executive coach Tom Henschel. Henschel introduces the topic by revisiting a five-year-old recording originally titled "Combating Emotional Hijacks." He frames the discussion around helping listeners control how they are perceived in the workplace. The core content outlines a specific seven-step process to stop emotional hijacks, which is detailed in a free PDF available on the Essential Communications website. A narrative segment features a client named Kimberly, who reflects on a past professional incident with clear regret. Henschel uses this client story to illustrate the real-world consequences of unmanaged emotions. Kimberly's quiet admission of not liking herself in that moment highlights the personal impact of an emotional hijack. The episode suggests that such reactions can damage self-perception and professional image. The steps provided are positioned as practical tools for regaining composure and intentionality. The method implies that emotional control is a learnable skill rather than an innate trait. Kimberly's story serves as a cautionary example of what happens without these tools. The episode positions mastering these hijacks as critical for leadership presence and effectiveness. The tone is instructional and conversational, blending direct coaching advice with anecdotal storytelling. Henschel's style is supportive and experienced, speaking as a guide sharing proven techniques. Listeners seeking concrete strategies for emotional regulation and executive presence will find this episode directly applicable. Individuals who prefer new, original content over repurposed archive material might choose to skip it.

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