How to Manage Anger in the Workplace (workshop) When anger in the workplace is constructively managed, it leads to improved communication, increased producitivity and career enahancement. In contrast, misdirected anger can negatively impact work relationships, job satisfaction, performance and, ultimately, one's career. As with anger in general, anger in the workplace is very often related to unrealistic expectations. While, every member of the work team has a key role in helping a company succeed, each may, at times, develop unrealistic expectations of others, of the firm, or even themselves. At times, these can lead to tension and frustration.We may not be fully aware of our expectations until we find ourselves experiencing frustration that may lead to anger. For example, you may take for granted that if you do good work, you will have opportunities to advance only to find out that your company is planning a merger that will reduce such possiblities. You may have expected your job to be challenging and to offer you opportunities to be creative, only to find that most of the tasks become routine and uninteresting. You may have expected greater sensitivity to your personal needs and find that the focus on the bottom line, especially in difficult economic times, leaves little time for such consideration. As a supervisor, you may be pressured from above to meet certain expectations and find that a particular employee simply lacks the skills to effectively support your goals. Effectively managing anger in the workplace involves recognizing the specific sources of our anger, the emotions that accompany it and the expectations and conclusions we make that may promote it. In addition, healthy anger management in the workplace involves identifying a wide repertoire of strategies to address these concerns. This workshop is designed to help participants: 1. Learn to recognize the signs, symptoms, and impact of anger in the workplace 2. Learn a framework for understanding anger and how it applies to the unique aspects of the work setting 3. Develop alternative ways of thinking about situations that provoke anger in the workplace 4. Learn a variety of strategies by which to manage anger more effectively with subordinates, co-workers and supervisors 5. Learn ways to defuse the anger of others 6. Learn to differentiate anger management strategies that are beneficial in the workplace from those that are more constructive in other settings 7. Develop increased flexibility in managing anger in the workplace 8. Identify personal priorities when deciding how to respond to stress on the job Format: This workshop is offered on-site or in the AME office in either a half-day or full-day format. Fee: Contact AME for information Schedule: See the Schedule page of this website for workshops scheduled in the office. Inquiries: E-mail bgolden10@sbcglobal.net or call (312)-642-0265 for inquiries Attitudes and Policies That Help Reduce Anger and Conflict in the Workplace 1. Be as honest as possible 2. State guidelines and policies in writing 3. Clearly identify statements and behaviors that are “inappropriate”. 4. Model appropriate behavior. 5. Schedule time for shared discussion. 6. Be mindful of impact of friendship on unrealistic expectations. 7. Be mindful of unrealistic expectations 8. Give feedback that is specific rather than global. 9. Learn to recognize the signs of anger. 10. Remember that anger is a reaction to other emotions. 11. While your anger may work in the short-term, it leads to reduced work            satisfaction, productivity, and cohesiveness. 12. Emphasize the positive. 13. Provide firm limit-setting. 14. Provide frequent feedback. 15. Be mindful of feedback that degrades, demeans, or fosters shame.