Managing Anger in the Workplace

Introduction

ANGER IS a fundamental human emotion, common to everyone’s experience. It stems from our instinct for self-preservation and is both physiological and cognitive in nature. Many things can stimulate anger, and virtually all of us feel and express this emotion at some time in the different areas of our lives.

The typical workplace is particularly conducive to anger. Here we find complex relationships, chronic pressure, high stakes, and many factors beyond our control. These generate frustration, conflict, and anxiety—common causes of anger. We are all familiar with high-profile cases of workplace violence, and surely a burning issue for managers is figuring out how to prevent extreme outbursts that may result in injury or worse. But ...