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Why Are We so Angry at Work By Angela Davis Clark Human Resources Director Flynn Gillian Workforce.com Why Employees Are So Angry September 1 1998 httpwww.workforce. comarticlesshy-employee-are-so-angry retrieved 08272015. This Emotional Life Anger httpwww.pbs.org thisemotionallifetopicangerwhat-anger retrieved 08272015. Smith Caroline MindTools Managing Your Emotions at Work httpwww.mindtools.compagesarticle newCDV_41.htm retrieved 08272015. it in a positive and professional manner. Ranting and raving is not acceptable. If I personally responded every time to an angry employee in the same manner and intensity for which I am spoken to that would just fuel the fire and accomplish nothing. Ive had many interactions with angry employees and I am challenged just like yourself to keep a cool head. I dont have a problem with allowing an employee to vent or even express a little anger and frustration as long as it does not cross the line with insubordination and unprofessionalism. Mismanaged anger can be counterproductive and unhealthy. For me it is not worth the risk of being disciplined or possibly losing my job in a moment of anger especially since I know that anger is something that I can control. Our true character is on display when we express our emotions in anger. Every time we interact we gain or lose credibility. No employee or manager should have to endure unfair treatment or be disrespected however lashing out and being unprofessional does not make it right or even fix the problem it actually adds to the problem. When we manage anger well it prompts us to make positive changes in our situation and in our lives. No matter what the situation is were always free to choose to react positively. Weve probably all have had to work with someone whom weve had differences with but we should be mature enough to set all of that aside and still get the job done especially if we choose to come to work. Lets check our attitudes and anger at the door. I am even going to go out on a limb and say even if life treats you unfair you still have a choice of how you will respond. Your good name and reputation is attached to that response continued from page 5 6 the situation which causes our anger. I wonder why reactions vary so widely between people. Some employees report to work proclaiming that they are going to have a good day no matter what happens while others walk in the door ready for a battle. Research and surveys say that people are angry at work because of unmet needs and maybe unrealistic expectations by both the employee and the employer. Their solution for easing employee anger is all about aligning employee expectations with company expectations. I agree with that solution but in some cases it is not always possible because sometimes expectations change. In my opinion thats why there appears to be a lack of respect and a decreased commitment of loyalty between employees and employers. The most common negative emotions experienced in the workplace are as follows frustrationirritation worry nervousness angeraggravation dislike and disappointmentunhappiness. These emotions are normal but its how we express ourselves when we are in these emotional states that sometimes baffle me. I dont understand why it is so important for us to win prove a point have the last word or get back at someone else. I think it is more important to resolve the problem in the most positive and professional manner rather than harbor anger or a grudge because we did not get the expected outcome. I realize that sometimes we all including myself get caught up in the emotion of the moment. But thats why its a best practice not to respond while we are in an emotional state. I totally agree that we should ask questions and take every opportunity to clarify get clarity and explain our understanding perception or position on a situation but we should approach