We have all experienced feeling angry about something in the workplace. Be aware of your anger warning signs and triggers. This anger may have stemmed from a co-worker taking your desk supplies without asking, your boss adding more onto your already heavy workload, or someone accidentally eating your food out of the employee refrigerator. Controlling your anger is a useful skill as you don’t want to say or do anything impulsively that
you may regret later.
Count to 10. Yes, it works!!! Take a moment to calm yourself, and decide how you want to deal with your anger.
Take 3 deep breaths, close your eyes, and relax your muscles. Try to pinpoint what made you angry to decide if your anger is really justified.
Step back and look at things from the offender’s point of view. Determine if they meant to hurt you or you took their words the wrong way. Step back from the situation. Take a break, go for a walk, or get some lunch. This will give you time to think and cool off. Ask yourself if you or they had control. If not, it may be best to just simply let go of your anger, and accept the reality. Focus on solutions. Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. It may not be possible to always avoid feeling angry in the workplace, but it is important to take control over your anger before it takes control of you.