Sign of the Times

There are some adjectives (mainly in German) that I am wary of using and almost allergic to as they are exclusively used for women. There are some nouns, too, like the denglish "Powerfrau" (literally power woman) which is meant as a compliment, but which makes me gag, but let's not go into those now. When you talk about women who act "hysterical", in a business context in particular, you really should stop and check your own biases. What would you call a man in the same situation? See. 

Recently though, my (female) boss and I were in a meeting with two colleagues, who we agreed really acted hysterical...not in the funny meaning of the word, but in the agitated sense. They were also incredibly rude and left us puzzled as to what in our -very calm and professional- attitude had triggered that behaviour. In the end we assumed that it must have been because of the immense pressure and insecurity many people in our company currently feel and which is perhaps particularly evident in the area they work in. Some people just carry on, trying to make the best of the situation and don't let it out on their peers, others quietly burn out and others, like these two, lash out and seen enemies in everyone. An interesting case study, if nothing else...