Coworkers arguing beside office cubicles while other employees work nearbyhealthcare

Dealing With Work-Related Hostility

Two coworkers arguing in a busy open-plan office

HEALTH ISSUES. Work-related anger control is the ability to recognize, manage and express anger in a constructive way rather than reacting impulsively.

It does not mean suppressing your feelings. It means staying in control of your response so that someone else’s behavior does not dictate your actions.

When faced with provocation at work, ask yourself three questions:

Is this deliberate, or am I assuming intent? Many workplace conflicts come from misunderstanding, stress, or poor communication rather than intentional hostility.

Will responding immediately help or worsen the situation?

Woman listening at a desk while colleagues work in a busy office

Anger narrows judgment. A delayed response is often a stronger response. What outcome do I want? Focus on resolving the issue, not winning the argument.

How to respond to provocation

Do: Pause before replying.

Lower your voice rather than raising it. Use factual statements: ‘I see it differently’ or ‘Let’s focus on the issue.’

Set boundaries calmly:

‘I’m happy to discuss this when we can do so respectfully.’

Walk away briefly if emotions are rising.

THE DOVETAILS HOTEL Michael Walsh. A charming, romantic, and risqué comedy that dares to explore the taboo pleasures of a ménage à trois. Click the picture for more details.

Don’t:

Match the other person’s aggression. Send angry emails or messages. Make personal attacks. Threaten or retaliate.

The ‘10-second rule’

When you feel your anger rising: Stop speaking. Take a slow breath in and out.

Count to ten.

Ask yourself, ‘What response will benefit me tomorrow?’

Very often the most effective response to provocation is calm firmness, not silence and not aggression. You can challenge poor behavior without becoming angry yourself.

A useful saying is:

‘Never give someone so much power that they can control your emotions.’

THANK YOU FOR SHARING WITH FRIENDS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Categories: healthcare

Tagged as:

Leave a Reply