Should Women Be Emotionless at the Workplace?

Remember that scene in The Devil Wears Prada? Miranda Priestly is sitting in her hotel suite, her marriage is imploding, and for a split second, we see the mask slip. She’s human! But before Andy (or we) can even offer a metaphorical tissue, the ice queen is back. She refuses a day off, snaps at Andy to get back to work instead of trying to console her, and essentially buries her heartbreak.

Who needs feelings when you can have a career?

It begs the age-old career question: In the professional world, should we be acting like men (code for: emotional robots) or is it finally okay to let the waterworks flow?

The Ice Queen Defense

Let’s be real. Miranda didn’t get to the top by crying over spilled milk (or ex-husbands). For decades, the blueprint for success was stoicism. It's masculine. And maybe heartless.

If you show emotion, you’re unstable or weak. In high-stakes environments, there’s a power in compartmentalizing. Sometimes, leaning into the work is actually a survival mechanism. It keeps the focus on your talent, not your Tuesday afternoon meltdown.

The Case for the Human Boss

But here’s the flip side: as we've started talking more and more about mental health, we need to rethink this, and not just for women. The robot look is getting a bit dusty. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the new black. We’ve realized that pretending you don't have feelings doesn't make them disappear; it just makes you a nightmare to work for. Authentic leadership, where you can say, "Hey, I’m having a rough day, bear with me" actually builds more loyalty than a cold shoulder.

Is There a Middle Ground?

So, should you cry in the boardroom? Maybe hold off on the full sob story during the Zoom presentation. But you don't have to be a stone, either.

1. Own the vibe: If you’re off your game, a simple "I’m dealing with some personal stuff, but I’m on it" is enough. It shows you’re human without making your drama everyone else's job.
2. Boundaries are chic: Miranda’s mistake wasn't staying strong; it was treating Andy like a human shield for her pain.

You don’t need to act like a man to be a boss. You just need to be a professional human. Whether you’re wearing Prada or Zara, your feelings don’t make you less capable. they just make you real. Let’s leave the emotionless trope in the early 2000s, shall we?

How do you handle a Miranda moment at work: do you power through or take a breather?

And what if you're the boss and your employee or assistant needs an emotional day - what would you do then?