Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling frustrated, embarrassed, or blindsided—only to realise later that someone manipulated your emotions to their advantage?
It happens more often than you think. In high-pressure environments, emotional reactions can be weaponised against you. The more predictable your emotions, the easier it is for others to push your buttons.
If you’ve ever lost control in the heat of the moment, you weren’t just reacting—you were hijacked.
But here’s the good news: You can stop it from happening.
This article will show you exactly how to recognise emotional hijacking and regain control before someone else takes advantage of you.
How Emotional Hijacking Works
People often assume their emotions are personal, private, and self-directed. But in reality, your emotions are constantly being shaped by external forces—especially in workplace politics and power plays.
Here’s how it happens:
1️⃣ Someone provokes a reaction—subtly or directly.
- A passive-aggressive comment.
- A sudden change in tone.
- A carefully timed challenge in a meeting.
2️⃣ You react emotionally—without thinking.
- Frustration leads you to over-explain.
- Anger makes you say something you regret.
- Anxiety causes hesitation, making you seem unsure.
3️⃣ The other person now has the upper hand.
- They stay calm while you’re flustered.
- They take advantage of your defensiveness.
- They shape the narrative while you’re still reacting.
Sound familiar? It’s not an accident. Some people thrive on emotional manipulation—using your reactions to their benefit.
But you don’t have to play their game. You can take back control.
Step 1: Recognise When You’re Being Hijacked
The first step is self-awareness. If you don’t realise you’re being emotionally manipulated, you’ll keep falling for it.
Ask yourself:
✅ “What just happened that made me react this way?”
✅ “Did they deliberately say something to get a response?”
✅ “Am I responding with emotion instead of logic?”
If the answer is yes, pause. That moment of awareness is your first defence.
Next time you feel anger, frustration, or anxiety rising, instead of reacting instantly—step back. Observe what’s happening as if you were watching from the outside.
Step 2: Take Control of Your Emotional Triggers
The best way to stop emotional hijacking? Train yourself to recognise and defuse your triggers.
Here’s how:
1️⃣ Identify your emotional weak spots.
Think back to situations where you lost your cool. Was it when someone questioned your competence? Dismissed your ideas? Took credit for your work?
Once you know your triggers, you can prepare for them.
2️⃣ Reframe the situation.
Instead of seeing it as an attack, view it as a test of control.
Instead of thinking, “I can’t believe they said that!”
Try: “Interesting. That was a deliberate move. Let’s see how I can handle it.”
3️⃣ Slow down your response.
When someone tries to provoke you, delay your reaction. Take a breath. Ask a clarifying question. Change the pace of the conversation.
Control the tempo, and you control the situation.
Step 3: Observe How Others Handle Emotional Hijacking
Want to get even better? Watch how experienced leaders maintain composure under pressure.
- How do they react when challenged in meetings?
- Do they ever let frustration show—or do they stay in control?
- How do they handle passive-aggressive remarks?
You’ll notice one thing: The most influential people rarely get hijacked.
They don’t rush to defend themselves.
They don’t react emotionally.
They stay focused on the bigger picture.
The more you practise, the more you’ll naturally adopt this level of control.
Final Thought: Influence Comes from Control
Emotional hijacking isn’t just about how you feel—it’s about how others see you.
If you’re seen as unpredictable or easily rattled, your influence weakens.
But when you’re seen as someone who stays calm, composed, and unshaken—your power grows.
You can’t control other people’s behaviour.
But you can control your response.
And the moment you do that? You stop being hijacked—and start taking charge.
The Gautrey Influence Blog
Ever felt overlooked, unheard, or stuck in office politics? You’re not alone. The Gautrey Influence Blog breaks down the real-world strategies behind leadership, influence, and power—giving you the tools to be heard, respected, and successful. Join 35,000+ professionals getting ahead the smart way—subscribe now..
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