How to Manage Anger at Work

The professional world is not always fair, and circumstances frustrate us occasionally – or even more than occasionally.  Nevertheless, it’s in your best interest to refrain from showing exactly how pissed off you are at work.

Even if you have a legitimate cause, anger never reflects well on you.  Whether you display your anger in the form of an irate tirade, a single rude comment or subtle insubordination, failing to control this emotion can result in serious consequences.

During the most stressful phase of my career, my anger masked itself as tears.  I wasn’t fired or suspended, but I did compromise my credibility and reputation.  All it took was one supervisor to perceive me as immature and the next thing I knew, I wasn’t getting promoted.

Despite your best efforts, anger may threaten to overflow at times.  The key is to manage it so you don’t end up in hot water.  In the midst of a heated discussion or situation, try to assess when you’re losing control.  Tell the person or people you’re arguing with that you need to take a break and temporarily remove yourself from the situation.

Whether you’re right or not is irrelevant.  After all, winning the argument won’t mean anything if you lose your temper.  A month from now, your point will have been forgotten, but everyone who was within earshot will still remember your inappropriate behavior.

Go back to your office or cube and decompress.  Make an effort to relax, calm yourself down and adjust your thoughts to erode some of your negativity.  Consider ways to re-approach the situation anger-free, and then, catch up with your colleagues to continue the discussion in a civil manner.