It's one of those days, you were late for work--not your fault. You transferred a telephone call which was somehow lost during the connection--not your fault. Your boss is late for a meeting, even though it's written in red on her calendar--not your fault. However, you are being blamed for all that has happened.

It is hard to stay positive during times like these and even harder to keep a positive image when you really want to do is to toss all of this negative action back in someone's face.

What can you do to maintain your cool professionalism? A few suggestions:

• Take a deep breath and try to stay calm.
  
• Apologize in such a way where you are not accepting blame, simply showing concern and sympathy.
  
• Get away from your desk for a few minutes; go to the rest room or make a cup tea, etc.
  
• Use 5 minutes to call a good friend, just to say hello.
  
• Remember in the scheme of life, this is only one work day.
  

If the negativity has somehow gotten to you, and you have been rude to a colleague or client, make sure you call the person before the end of the day to apologize or make amends. You will feel better and you will keep your positive image. You may even find that your colleague or client did not take offense to your harsh words or tirade. Don't falter, just explain that you felt the need to apologize because you thought that you over-stepped the line. End the telephone conversation by asking your client, etc., to please call at anytime with any questions he may have.

After such a day, you should do something nice for yourself. When you leave your place of business buy a bouquet of flowers for yourself, pick up deli or a salad, take in a movie or just relax with a good book when you get home. You owe this to yourself, not as a reward for keeping your temper in check or not punching someone when they were just begging for a good one to the nose. You will find that treating yourself well daily, helps you to get over life's bumps that get in the way of a good day.

Be aware that this is not be a good day to get on any Internet social site if you feel the need to vent and share how you feel about your bosses managing style.