British conflict culture expects emotional control. Whatever you feel internally, your external demeanor should remain calm. Losing your temper, raising your voice, or displaying strong emotion damages your credibility regardless of whether your position is correct.
This composure is not pretense but discipline—the ability to conduct yourself appropriately regardless of provocation. It serves practical functions: when both parties maintain composure, conflict can remain substantive rather than personal. The person who maintains control while others lose theirs wins something important regardless of the substantive outcome. When in conflict with British colleagues, expect that controlled expression is valued and that excessive emotional display will be judged negatively.
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