Thursday 9 April 2009

Managing Mr. (or Ms.) Angry

According to Jerry Deffenbacher, PhD, a psychologist who specialises in anger management, some people really are more "hot-headed" than others are; they get angry more easily and more intensely than the average person does.

These traits are often present in the profile of a Leader or Entrepreneur. There are also those who don't show their anger in loud spectacular ways but are chronically irritable and grumpy. Easily angered people don't always curse and throw things; sometimes they withdraw socially, sulk, or get physically ill.

People who are easily angered generally have what some psychologists call a low tolerance for frustration, meaning simply that they feel that they should not have to be subjected to frustration, inconvenience, or annoyance. They can't take things in stride, and they're particularly infuriated if the situation seems somehow unjust: for example, being corrected for a minor mistake.

In their working life PAs experience a range of reactions from people in the workplace. Knowing how to manage anger in others can be one of the most valuable tools in their armoury.

APA Members can visit the Knowledge Zone to learn more about anger management in the workplace.

Gareth

1 comment:

Martha T said...

My Boss gets really angry but only with herself. She sets very high standards and is massively tough on herself when she fails to deliver. If she misses a deadline or a meeting she reaally beats herself up about it. I'm not saying its wrong to demand the best but sometimes her personal goals are completely unachievable. She is perfectly understanding about everyone else's faults but not her own.