Desk Rage: A Growing Problem
Maybe you've witnessed it, or, perhaps you've even been involved in a
scuffle at work. It might start as a few well-chosen angry words between
office co-workers whose desks are located within close proximity of one
another. Soon, the verbal battle escalates, sometimes even becoming
physical.
Problem is, desk rage, much like road rage, is happening all too often
as office workers become more and more stressed, constantly on edge and
at the boiling-over point. Unfortunately, as the stress builds day in
and day out, the hot buttons of anger can get even hotter until all heck
breaks out.
Here are some strategies we suggest for coping with the growing problem
of desk rage:
Let your cooler head prevail. If you feel that a situation with a
co-worker is becoming volatile, take a step back...a time out...and
re-access what's going on. How did the anger grow so much? What caused
it? How can we talk it over and work things out before the potential for
fist-flying begins?
Put yourself in their shoes. You have a gripe, but so does your
co-worker. And although you may think you're the only one that's in the
right, your co-worker may also have a valid point. Its very possible
that once you take a moment to carefully consider where they're coming
from, you may better understand what the differences between you are all
about...and then you can work to settle them.
Offer a helping hand. Many times, desk rage ensues when a person
in the office is having a particularly bad day, or, something is
bothering them in their life. Then, they take their emotions out on a
co-worker. If you sense this, try asking them if you can help. Such an
approach might be all they need, and your gesture could diffuse a big
problem later on.
Change venues, at least temporarily. You see your co-worker every
day; they and you occupy the same cubicles week in and week out. And
it's right there, between your workspace and theirs, that a feud has
developed. Attempt to make a truce by inviting your co-worker to lunch
or for a get-together after work. Many times, a simple change in the
atmosphere surrounding two people can be the difference that changes
foes into friends.
