Aggression in the workplace is an unfortunate reality that many employees have to deal with. Whether it’s a coworker, manager, or customer, aggressive behavior can create a hostile work environment and negatively impact employee morale, productivity, and mental health. Dealing with aggression requires a combination of assertiveness, empathy, and self-care. In this blog, we’ll discuss some tips on how to deal with aggression at work.
Who are Aggressive People?
Aggressive people frequently display physically or verbally harmful behaviors or threats to others. They may act out in anger, frustration, or even in response to perceived threats or injustices. Aggressive behavior can take many forms, including physical violence, yelling, intimidation, bullying, or passive-aggressive tactics.
Aggressive people may come from different backgrounds and exhibit aggression for different reasons. Some people may have a history of trauma or abuse that has led to a pattern of aggressive behavior. Others may struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which can sometimes manifest as aggression. Still, others may lack the communication or problem-solving skills needed to navigate conflicts without resorting to aggression.
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Why Do People Behave Aggressively?
People behave aggressively for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common:
- Frustration: When people cannot achieve their goals or meet their needs, they may become frustrated, leading to aggressive behavior.
- Fear: People may behave aggressively when they feel threatened or afraid, either physically or emotionally.
- Anger: When people feel angry, they may lash out aggressively, physically or verbally.
- Insecurity: People who feel insecure or powerless may act aggressively to regain control or assert dominance.
- Trauma: People who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect may develop patterns of aggressive behavior as a way to protect themselves or cope with their emotions.
- Mental health issues: Some mental health conditions, such as borderline or antisocial personality disorder, may cause people to behave aggressively.
- Substance use: It can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior, especially when combined with other factors such as stress or anger.
It’s important to note that while these are common reasons people behave aggressively, each person is unique. Many other factors may contribute to aggressive behavior, and understanding the underlying causes of aggression is key to addressing the behavior compassionately and effectively.
Tips On How To Deal With Aggression At Work?
To begin with, it is worth saying that aggression is a normal reaction of the body to certain external stimuli that either left their mark in childhood or began to manifest themselves at a more mature age, when a person gets tired of work, problems in the family, with friends and other troubles, suppressing a person. PMVA training can be helpful in aggression management.
The problems surrounding a person in everyday life, giving negative energy, are very diverse, as mentioned above. The question arises, how to deal with aggression at work in moments of not the best mood? How not to break down on people around you so as not to cause discomfort to people near you and, in fact, not to cause discomfort to yourself?
When aggression is splashed on people, only at first the person experiences a feeling of “liberation,” but then what happens? Relations with colleagues, friends, and the worst with relatives are undermined.
There are many tips and ways how to deal with aggression at work. Naturally, a person chooses the method that suits him.
Stay Calm
The first and most crucial tip is to stay calm. Aggression can be contagious, and reacting with anger or frustration will only escalate the situation. Take a deep breath, try to remain composed, and avoid getting defensive.
Listen Actively
When someone is being aggressive, they often feel like they’re not being heard. Listen actively to what they’re saying, and try to understand their point of view. Paraphrase what they say to demonstrate that you’re listening and that you understand. It is the second tip on how to deal with aggression at work.
Empathize
Empathizing with an aggressive person can help to de-escalate the situation. Show them that you understand how they’re feeling and acknowledge their emotions. It can help them to feel heard and understood.
Set Boundaries
It’s important to set boundaries when dealing with aggressive behavior. Let the person know that their behavior is unacceptable and that you expect to be treated with respect. Be firm but not aggressive. It is the fourth tip on how to deal with aggression at work.
Offer Solutions
Offer solutions to the problem at hand. It can help to shift the focus from aggressive behavior to finding a solution. Propose a course of action that is fair and reasonable and addresses both parties’ concerns.
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Seek Support
If the aggression is persistent, seek support from a colleague, manager, or HR representative, and they can provide guidance and support in dealing with the situation.
Take care Of Yourself
Dealing with aggression can be stressful and draining. Take care of yourself by taking breaks, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities that help you relax and unwind. It is the seventh tip on how to deal with aggression at work.
Doing Sports
After all, they always said that the most suitable way to splash out your negative energy is to do physical exercises, direct your energy into a peaceful channel, release aggression, and improve your health. The only thing at work is that there are hardly any conditions for performing this method, but it can be used constantly so that at work, there will be less susceptibility to irritants.
Ignore Minor issues
Sometimes people get nervous about all sorts of trifles, increasing the supply of negative emotions and causing further aggression. We must step aside from those little things that are not so important and, as a result, can themselves be resolved.
Interrupt Aggressive Thoughts
For example, when a person begins to have negative thoughts, interrupt the train of thought with more pleasant thoughts, or apply unpleasant actions to himself, pinch slightly, biting his lip. It is the last tip on how to deal with aggression at work.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed tips on how to deal with aggression at work. Dealing with aggression in the workplace requires a combination of assertiveness, empathy, and self-care. Individuals can effectively manage aggressive behavior and create a positive work environment by staying calm, actively listening, empathizing, setting boundaries, offering solutions, seeking support, and caring for themselves. Remember, aggression often stems from underlying issues, and addressing these issues is essential for preventing future incidents. We can create a safe and productive workplace for all employees by addressing aggression professionally and respectfully.