Anger in Business Communication

This is a topic that's not addressed very well. It's the topic of anger in business communication. In fact, the importance of business communication usually ignores this topic altogether, even though it can cause horrific consequences (like lawsuits, vandalism, assault, and worse). If you are in business (and, if you're working you are in some kind of business), and anger rears it's ugly head every once in a while, have a read for some very simple tips and strategies.

First, try writing it down. The process of writing sometimes derails the whole episode (if done right away) or at least puts it into some kind of context (if done later). If your angry at some correspondence that you have received (letter, email) and you are going to reply, write the reply and then sit on it for a day. See how the thing reads tomorrow. You'll likely want to edit it.

Look for the triggers. If your conscious of the triggers to your anger you can do much more to control them. If you're in a situation that you know will make you angry, that information alone could be enough to cut off the feelings. Even if it doesn't, knowing is important for the next step.

If you know the triggers, or you know the feeling (like the hair on the back of your neck standing up), practice consciously telling yourself that you will not get angry at this situation. If you can't avoid the emotion - take yourself out of the situation. Over time, you will learn to.

The web has some great, free, basic resources for this. Search for anger management printable worksheets, and you'll find lots of data on triggers, physical manifestations, and strategies to control your anger.

These are only four of several dozen things you can do to control this emotion. The first step is awareness, and the only one that can be aware is you!