It comes as no surprise that crying at work is frowned upon but does it truly spell the end of your career or your chances of moving up the corporate ladder? Well, though tears are still seen as "unprofessional", it's however gaining more acceptances at work. "Saying that crying is inappropriate is like saying that having emotions is inappropriate". "Crying is the expression of an emotion, just like any other, except that it has a negative stigma associated with it."

It's of course still best to leave the crying in close quarters but if you find your lower lip quaver and uncooperative tears spill over despite your best efforts, know that you didn't just commit career suicide.

Keeping the Tears at Bay

We can't exactly control our emotions at all times especially when work gets personal but there are ways to avoid putting yourself in the "tear zone". So, wise up with our tips below!

BE PREPARED

If you suspect you're going to be in an emotional conversation, plan ahead. Map out what your main points are and what you want to say. That's a reliable way to remain focused without becoming emotional. A lot of people tend to get emotional during performance reviews. Instead of focusing on how the review makes you feel, go in knowing what to say when you don't receive a glowing review or get the raise and promotion you thought you so deserved. So, plan what you would say if rejection or criticism comes your way.

One good approach to take is to ask your employer what needs to be done in order to be better.

EXCUSE YOURSELF

If you feel your emotions getting stronger and your eyes brimming with tears, excuse yourself. Lois Frankel, author of Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office, says it's perfectly acceptable to say, "You can see I'm having strong feelings about this. I'm going to leave for a few minutes to compose myself." Not only will it make you feel better, it'll make the people around you less uncomfortable too.

FOCUS ON CONTENT

It's not unusual to get emotional when your boss tells you you've missed your goals. Try to remain focused on the content of what your boss is saying instead of how its making you feel. Instead of saying, "I feel bad because I didn't do well;" tell your boss, "I hear that in the review that you'd like me to manage my time more efficiently. Here are the things I can do about it."

BE SOLUTION-ORIENTED

Put words to your anger. "If you can get in touch with the anger you're more likely to use the words than the tears". Discuss the solution to the problem instead of how it makes you feel.

FOCUS ON BREATHING

Don't make it too obvious and weird, but one way to control emotions is through focusing on your breathing. "This is a skill, and it's one that you have to practise". "Build it through getting a grip over your body. Find your breath and de-personalise."

IT'S BUSINESS

When all else fails, remember this is business not personal. Your co-workers are, usually, not out to hurt your feelings. They're trying to get the work done just like you.

THE GENDER FACTOR

When you discuss rears in the office, you can't ignore the role sexism plays. If a woman cries at work, some are only too ready to label her as weak. Other co-workers are put in the awkward position of neither wanting to appear too touchy nor uncaring. For this reason, not everyone sees crying as just any regular act.

"It is unprofessional behaviour to cry in the office". "This is particularly true if you are a woman, because it causes men to feel helpless to fix the situation, as well as possible guilt at having upset you."

While being a woman complicates an already difficult situation, you can't always control your tears, just as you can't always silence laughter or quell your anger, regardless of your gender. You can't definitively say there is a right or wrong answer to this issue. The only constant is that you know yourself and your work environment best, so only you can decide what damage crying can cause your career, if any.

THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE

Don't assume, however, that tears are always acceptable. Just like any other show of emotion, crying has an appropriate time and place. You wouldn't laugh during a conference where the boss says quarterly earnings are at an all-time low. Perhaps the only instance where crying is widely acceptable is when receiving bad news, such as the death of someone you know. Though anyone should cry on purpose, a spontaneous cry is only damaging to the person who feels they are weak because they are crying. It is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human.

IT'S NOT THE END OF YOUR CAREER

Contrary to popular belief, crying once or twice at work is not likely to kill your career. You can't judge anybody by a moment. I'd rather have them cry in my office and get their emotions out than go nuts or quit.

Here are some tips for damage control if you do happen to spill some tears at the work place.

CRYING ISN'T JUST ANY EMOTION

Do we call co-workers who laugh a lot emotional? So, if it's your first time crying at work cut yourself some slack and focuses on damage control instead of wallowing in remorse.

You can suggests to your boss by saying, "I was moved full of feelings when we talked last time. I'm more composed now, so I'd like to revisit the subject."

While you might think bursting into tears is highly unusual and limited to the less stable folks in your office, crying at work is relatively common.

CRY BABY, NOT

As in most work situations, co-workers and bosses expect you to be professional. If you cry when your boss reprimands or gives you a negative review, you're probably not earning the best reputation. But do remember that tears aren't a sign of weakness. So, learn to make the wise decision to take tears where you see fit.