Take a deep breath in and exhale. As cliche as it sounds- we often start holding our breath. Remember to breathe and remember your surroundings. Situational awareness is important as the brain will have the tendency to instantly want to offer multiple scenarios. Remember, what someone else, including your coworker says or how they behave is a reflection on them. The more calm you stay, the better more you will continue to maintain the high ground in this situation. Look at the neutral facts of what transpired and strategically assess what your next steps should be.

Address the situation confidently but tactfully in the moment by redirecting the focus to the task at hand, saying something like, "Let’s discuss this further after the meeting to ensure we’re aligned." Avoid reacting emotionally or escalating the tension, as this can harm your credibility. Afterward, have a private conversation with the coworker to address their behavior directly but respectfully, seeking to understand their perspective and clarify boundaries. Reinforce a collaborative tone by emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in maintaining a productive work environment.

If a coworker undermines your authority in front of others, the key to keeping your cool is to remain calm, composed, and professional; acknowledge the behavior without reacting impulsively, address the issue privately later with the coworker, and confidently reassert your position and decision-making ability in a respectful manner. Here are a few steps to take: Stay silent in the moment: Don't engage in a public argument. A simple, "Let's discuss this further privately" can effectively deflect the situation. Take a moment to collect yourself: Use a brief pause to gather your thoughts and avoid impulsive reactions. Address the behavior privately:

When someone challenges your authority publicly, transform it into a masterclass in leadership. Start with your physiological reset: tactical breathing (4-4-4 count) keeps your executive presence intact. Respond strategically: "I value this perspective. Let's dive deeper in our next meeting." This shows composure while creating space for thoughtful dialogue. Within 24 hours, initiate a private conversation: "I appreciate you raising that point yesterday. Help me understand your vision." Frame it as collaborative problem-solving rather than confrontation. Remember: Your response showcases your leadership capacity more than any challenge ever could.

Having a coworker undermine your authority can be uncomfortable. Trust me, I’ve been there. What has worked for me is reminding myself that it’s not always intentional. I challenge myself to stay calm, take a quick, deep breath, and remember that people are watching how I respond. This is my chance to shine by staying composed and reasserting my authority. I don’t need anyone else to validate me; I validate myself. A simple, confident response like, “You make a good point; however, I still believe that this is the best approach.” works wonders. It might be tough, but with practice, it becomes second nature and earns respect.