Conquer your fears

You probably have experienced it, dealt with it and put up with it. But how much do you know about one of the most common emotions in the world?

Anger, an emotional state that may range from a minor irritation to intense rage, is a natural and mature feeling that often has functional value for survival. So, the next time someone is angry, it does not necessarily mean it is wrong.

Linda Berlot Sheffield, change and culture transformation consultant at Biz-ability, helps employees identify and manage their emotions in the workplace.

Where does anger come from? If we know what triggers anger, then we can take charge of it and control it.

According to Sheffield, there are two types of triggers: the first is caused by an outside force, such as someone putting you down or lying to you. The other is an internal trigger, where we tell ourselves things that get us worked up; it is usually based on assumptions or incorrect information.

Sheffield, an Italian expatriate residing in Dubai, said: "Understanding what triggers you is a great start to managing your anger. This would help you intervene and prevent these irritations and frustrations from building up."

Releasing anger in a civilised manner, as well as not being afraid to calmly express emotions are ways of overcoming frustrations that lead to anger.

She said: "Coaching people gives them the opportunity to air their anger, frustrations and fears and come up with workable solutions that they buy into and own."

Bringing anger to the office could be risky business, but then again it is natural. According to Sheffield, when a company undergoes changes in its organisation, the uncertainty, or sometimes fear, that employees express usually result in a form of anger.

She said: "It [anger] often stems from fear of loss of something, so it could be fear of losing control, power, loss of friends and social network, loss of clear data and information and of course the fear of losing your job."

Sheffield said that violence and sexual harassment are probably the two best known examples of anger in the workplace.

Other forms of anger lead to poor communication, poor morale, favouritism of employees over others and criticism of employees in front of staff. These types might be less dramatic but can nonetheless have a tremendously negative impact on a business.

Next time you get angry just take a minute to collect yourself before taking action. Otherwise, it could affect you and the atmosphere around you.

During a change, if any sort of information is not shared with employees, internal triggers will occur and lead to angry behaviour. But, if someone is able to understand a change, they would be able to see the benefits of it and work with the change.

Emotional Journey

When a change is imposed, people go through a change curve of emotional responses. When people realise that they will wake up and often have extreme reactions. This might lead to denial and resistance to undergo change. However, focusing more on the benefits would lead to a more productive and accepting environment.

Which angry are you?

When someone is angry, it could be shown in three different ways:

Aggressive: wihen anger is expressed openly to hurt someone physically, emotionally or psychologically.

Passive aggressive: Repressing anger by bottling up the emotion of indirecly hurting someone by spreading rumours and giving cold shoulder.

Assertive: When anger is expressed directly in non-threatening ways or is acknowledged and dealt with at a more appropriate time.