It's not uncommon for anger issues to arise in workplaces, and they're typically (and thankfully) a lot more subtle than someone shooting up an office. Despite the fact that anger doesn't usually spiral to physical violence in professional settings, it can have far-reaching effects on both careers and personal lives.
I often deal with professionals in "post-anger" situations, when the damage may have already been done and it's necessary to reflect on the root cause of the behavior to ensure it doesn't happen again. In one case, a client realized his anger issues were stemming from the lack of control he had in his personal life, and once he voiced that, his inappropriate behavior dissipated.
Career Repercussions
No one likes to deal with bullies at work, but many offices have them. Most of these people are talented professionals who don't know how to manage their anger-or even why they're angry. They often have control issues, but lack the skills to implement their desires in a respectful manner.
If anger issues aren't addressed, they can subtly ruin careers. Those known as angry people may:
• Fail to be invited to meetings
• Find their colleagues mock them (rolling eyes, etc.) when they leave a room
• Stop being listened to
• Experience high and costly turnover, which can slow their practice's growth
Professionals are in the enviable position of being able to control many aspects of their environments, so that should help mitigate anger issues. One variable that can be controlled is the use of common courtesy-not being impolite to subordinates, colleagues or clients/patients-which can decrease anger-inducing stress.
Management Options
The goal when dealing with anger issues in the workplace should be to address them with integrity. As part of that process, everyone should have a place to go to de-stress; some may opt for exercise, while others choose counseling, meditation or prayer.
Two behaviors may help to diffuse or eliminate negative situations that are based on anger:
• If you're angry, don't respond to a particular stressor right away. Take a break instead.
• Ask yourself what you're really angry about, to gain a broader perspective.
Introspection is a big part of anger management. It's important to look within to discover anger triggers-which often have nothing to do with what's occurring at work- ideally doing this before anger has led to mistakes and career-jeopardizing discipline. If you do find yourself in "hot water," it's best to be proactive by working with a counselor to identify the finite problem as well as the solution to it.
To truly heal yourself, you need a strong support system, and that's where I come in, since professional license defense is one of my areas of focus. My goal is always for clients to leave their time with me in a better position, personally and legally, by realizing their lives are out of balance and addressing the underlying issue(s) that have brought them to this point.
Stacie Patterson
San Diego Professional License Defense Attorney
You're a professional. You know your job through and through. But maybe not the technicalities of the licensing required... or how it might be jeopardized. If you're facing an allegation or accusation-whether the cause was intentional or accidental-hire Stacie Patterson to help. Contact Stacie Patterson today!
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