It’s time to change the rules about crying at work

I’ve been writing a blog for seven years. I’ve shared the things I see as an executive team advisor, and I’ve exposed (and tried to be authentic about) the issues that I have personally struggled with as a team member and a team leader. But there’s one topic I haven’t touched with a 10 foot pole–crying.

Crying is not something that professionals are supposed to do, right!?

Well, I think it’s just about time to do away with that notion. Toss it in the heap with all the other forms of toxic masculinity that are poisoning our workplaces and leaving us all stressed to the breaking point.

If we (men, yes, but especially women) could get over our stigma about crying, and worry more about whether we’re genuinely connecting with each other, many more organizations would benefit from teams understanding each other at that deeply personal level.

So, I’m ready to weigh in. But I’m warning you, this one’s personal.

I am a crier.

No, not all the time. Not at the drop of a hat. Not a blubbering mess.

But if I am very tired AND a topic is near and dear to my heart AND I feel frustrated, you might see clear liquid welling in my eyes. When there’s enough of it, that glistening saline will overflow the banks and trickle…