Managing Anger

Posted by: on February 05

Small business owners inspire their employees and others by being emotionally honest and authentic. So when your temper flares at someone, it’s important to find a skillful response to your anger. Whether you bury it or unleash it inappropriately, a misdirected temper can undermine key relationships or team efforts. Instead, exercise restraint of word and action: Take a step back—which, depending on the situation, may mean you need to take momentary pause, or a lengthier time out—to assess the cause. If you are angry mainly because your ego feels threatened or you’re frustrated with yourself, then work it out on your own or with a trusted adviser. If, however, your values or standards were overrun by the other person, then, by all means, you should express yourself—after the storm, the air is likely to be clearer for all involved.

David Peck
President
Leadership Unleashed
San Francisco