Monster Contributing Writer
Mad that you were passed over for a big
\npromotion again? Livid that the bootlickers always seem to get ahead in your
\norganization? Perhaps it’s time to consider whether the anger itself, however
\nlegitimate, is holding you back. Evidence suggests many of us are walking around
\nthe office feeling resentful, though we may be unaware of the cumulative toll
\nbitter actions take on our careers and coworkers.<\/p>
According to a report
\nby Donald Gibson of Fairfield University and Sigal Barsade of Yale University,
\none out of four employees is substantially angry at work. The study, “The
\nExperience of Anger at Work: Lessons from the Chronically Angry,” indicates most
\nworkers are not so angry that they’re ready to cause the boss physical harm, but
\nthey are angry enough to sabotage him.<\/p>
Workplace anger is not only
\npotentially harmful to the organization, but it can also cause serious health
\nproblems, including chronic anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and heart
\ndisease. Learning to deal with your anger constructively will improve your
\nwell-being and make you a more desirable and promotable employee.<\/p>
Why Are So Many Employees Angry?<\/span> I spoke with twelve employees from a variety of businesses about Sometimes Steps to Control Anger Constructively<\/span> When Anger Strikes:<\/p> Monster Contributing WriterMad that you were passed over for a big promotion again? Livid that the bootlickers always seem to get ahead in your organization? Perhaps it’s time to consider whether the anger itself, however legitimate, is holding you back. Evidence suggests many of us are walking around the office feeling resentful, though we may … Continue reading What’s Eating You?<\/span>
\nAccording to Gibson’s
\nsurvey, workplace anger is most often directed at an employee’s supervisor or
\nthe organization in general. “Feelings of anger at the individual level are a
\nsignal that a wrong has been committed or that goals are being blocked,” Gibson
\nsays.<\/p>
\ntheir anger at work. Each felt that one or more of the following caused the
\nanger:<\/p>\n
\nnot happen.
\n <\/li>\n
\n <\/li>\n
\nexpectations were too high or continuously changing.
\n <\/li>\n
\n <\/li>\n
\n <\/li>\n
\nthe anger may stem from outside sources. Many times, employees are dealing with
\nstressful events in their own lives, and the resulting anger can carry over to
\nthe workplace. Divorce, a death in the family, financial pressure, and serious
\nillnesses can all cause an individual to become overwhelmed and irritated.
\nRarely are we taught to deal with loss and stressful situations, so we tend to
\nbury those feelings, which can turn to anger or rage over time.<\/p>
\nWe all become
\nirritated or angry every now and then. What can we do to control that anger and
\nbe more constructive? Gibson, who cowrote “Managing Anger in the Workplace” as a
\nfollow-up to the survey, offers the following strategies for controlling anger:<\/p>\n
\nbut rather improve your outlook on yourself and life so there are fewer
\nsituations in which you would become angry.
\n <\/li>\n
\nsituation.
\n <\/li>\n
\nas exercising, getting enough sleep and avoiding alcohol. The healthier you are,
\nthe more likely you are to respond appropriately to situations.
\n <\/li>\n
\nso it is important to let go of this type of anger. Ask yourself, “Can I resolve
\nwhatever it is that’s causing this anger?” If you can’t, then you need to let it
\ngo.
\n <\/li>\n
\nyour company has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP providers typically
\nallow employees to see therapists in these circumstances. You don’t have to live
\nin a state of bitterness, anger or rage. If you deal effectively with your
\nanger, you will increase your chances of being promoted at some point — and of
\nbeing an effective leader when the time comes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n <\/li>\n
\ncalm.”
\n <\/li>\n
\n <\/li>\n
\n <\/li>\n
\nconsciously think to unclench your jaw and loosen your muscles.
\n <\/li>\n
\n <\/li>\n
\nyou get home. This simple gesture will help you change your state of
\nmind.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"