Handling Employee

Meltdowns - A CEO's
Guide

Bob’s Meltdown
A HBR case study
presentation
What Are Meltdowns And Tantrums ?
• Meltdowns are involuntary behavioral responses
experienced by an individual when he or she feels
anxious or overwhelmed in a stressful situation. During a
meltdown, an individual is often unconscious of what he
or she is doing.

• In a professional setting, a tantrum refers to

an uncontrolled emotional outburst that
is inappropriate and unprofessional. It can be
characterized by yelling, screaming, throwing objects,
or other disruptive behaviors.
CEO's Role: Supporting Employees During
Meltdowns
• Listen Actively - Give Bob a chance to express his
feelings and concerns. Show that he values Bob's
perspective.
• Identify the Issue - Understand the underlying cause
of Bob's meltdown, whether it's work-related stress,
personal issues, or something else.
• Address Privately - Have a private conversation with
Bob to avoid embarrassing him in front of others.
CEO's Role: Supporting Employees During
Meltdowns
• Stay Calm - Maintain composure and avoid reacting
emotionally.

• Conflict Resolution - If the meltdown is due to a

workplace conflict, consider mediating a conversation
between Bob and the involved parties.
CEO's Role: Supporting Employees During
Meltdowns
• Offer Support - Provide support and resources if
needed, such as counseling or workload adjustments.

• Set Expectations - Clearly communicate

expectations for behavior and performance in the
workplace.
CEO's Role: Supporting Employees During
Meltdowns
• Seek Professional Help - If Bob's meltdown is due to
mental health issues, encourage him to seek professional
help.

• Follow Up - Check in with Bob periodically to see how

he's doing and if there have been any improvements.
CEO's Role: Supporting Employees
During Meltdowns
• Document the Incident - Document the
incident and any actions taken in case there's a
need for future reference.

• Prevent Recurrence - Work together to find

ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.

• Lead by Example - Model the behavior you

expect from your employees by demonstrating
professionalism and effective conflict
resolution.
Conclusion
Addressing Possible
Handling a meltdown or tantrum is a delicate Communication Gaps
situation that requires patience, understanding, and
a commitment to resolving the issue
constructively. Remember that your primary goal
is to maintain a healthy work environment and
support your employees' well-being while
upholding company standards.
Creating a Positive
Workplace Culture

Q&A: Addressing
Questions and Concerns
THANK YOU