Dealing With a Hot Head

Clients may get very angry and knowing how to deal with anger is vital
during conflict.

Don’t reciprocate aggression. Be sure to control your own feelings.
Breathe deeply and calm your nerves. Being hostile can damage company
relations and escalate a situation that is already high stress. Remember, you represent more than yourself.

Validate their emotions and let them feel angry. Remember that anger is a
natural feeling. They have a right to feel anger just as you do. Although you may not agree with the reason behind it, you can’t deny their feeling. Let them know that they are being taken seriously.

Center the conversation on the problem. The angry person may begin to rant about non-related problems they had throughout the week! Stay focused on the root of the problem and how to work together to solve it.

Help the client regain control. “Kill them with kindness” is an effective way to diffuse a situation. Displaying respect or kindness in the face of adversity can bring a person back to their senses. Caring is known to be a fast mood changer.

Present a rational explanation of the situation and a way to solve it. Restate the issue with the client. Understanding the situation from their perspective can bring you closer to a solution. Clarify their wants and needs along with what you are capable of doing. If you cannot reach exact consensus, offer an alternative that values the client!

If the client is still angry regardless of your interventions, seek help! Three heads are better than one!


  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Frustrated

    Dear Dr. Mimi, I trained a new employee about a month ago, but they still don’t seem to be getting it. They mess up almost every task I give them. What can I do to fix this? Should I just fire them? —Frustrated Dear Frustrated, It can be tricky working with new employees. If you…


  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Overwhelmed

    Dear Dr. Mimi, My spouse and I now both work full-time jobs and have a three-year-old. I had been home full-time while my spouse worked. Our son is in day care and seems to love it, but I am unsure how to balance having a family, being an employee, and doing well in both jobs.…


  • Monitoring Productivity

    It may be daunting to look at your schedule for the coming months. Here are a few tips to help you stay on task and monitor your productivity: Clarify the vision. What do you hope to achieve? How will you accomplish this? Get specific! Define the milestones you aim to reach. Sit down and devote…