Facing Rejection at Work

Rejection at Work - Low Mood or Low Mood - Rejection at work : Role Play @Work Therapy

It all began with a WhatsApp message from George’s wife—one that shifted the course of their journey. Over the years, George had built his identity around a particular role at work. But with shifting workplace policies and restructuring, that role was now reserved for a select few. Despite his experience, George found himself repeatedly denied the responsibilities he once held. That growing sense of exclusion left him feeling disappointed, dejected, and increasingly vulnerable to rejection.

As his frustration built, he began to withdraw emotionally, especially around occasions when he had to face senior management in Dubai. His moods would become unpredictable, and he sometimes lashed out at his family. Though his wife tried to help, they soon realized that professional support would be needed to help George reclaim his role and his emotional balance.

When I first met George, what struck me most was how deeply his work situation had affected his mood. Our initial work focused on restoring his emotional equilibrium—helping him move from a place of denial and sadness toward strategies for resilience. Only then did we turn our efforts toward preparing him for the high-stakes meeting in Dubai.

To rehearse the encounter and rebuild confidence, I employed a role‑play intervention. In the session, I assumed the persona of his senior management, while George embodied the employee asserting his readiness for the role he sought. The simulated interaction—complete with feedback and observation—helped highlight his habitual responses and opened up new ways of thinking and communicating.

Through role playing, George explored multiple perspectives, experimented with alternative approaches, and reclaimed a sense of agency. This method aligns with well‑established therapeutic techniques, which show that role play offers:

• A safe, contained environment for testing ideas, practicing communication, and making adjustments without real-world consequences 

• Development of problem-solving skills and adaptability, as clients learn creative responses to challenging situations 

• Enhanced confidence and reduced anxiety, enabling individuals to perform more clearly under pressure 

• Improved communication and empathy, since stepping into others’ roles fosters better interpersonal insight and flexibility.

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Throughout the sessions, the combination of counselling and coaching provided George with both emotional support and practical skills. He gained deeper self-awareness, clarity about his aspirations, and regained belief in his own capability. Organizational coaching research underscores how this can improve stress management, emotional resilience, and overall workplace well‑being.

By the end of our preparation, George felt seen, supported, and significantly more confident. The role‑play process renewed his clarity and helped him step into the meeting room in Dubai with intention, presence, and composure.