How do you keep your cool, when people at work lose theirs?

Question

Say a co-worker gets a bit upset and takes it out on you. How do you not get angry and retaliate?
Remember you are at work....
Do you handle it after work? Talk about it then?

Answer 1

Just take it all in stride. If it's not because of you, forget about it. Deep breathes and move on.

Answer 2

It's always best to get a supervisor involved, regardless if they're a peer, subordinate, or manager. The supervisor will address the person, and will also decide if mediation is needed. They'll also decide if this falls under the very broad laws of harassment. No one should ever be yelled at in their workplace and have to tip-toe around a co-worker. If the peer does not correct their action, keep the supervisor involved. If you get angry and retaliate, you may be disciplined for harassment. Chances are if this co-worker has lashed out at you, they've lashed out at other people, or will in the future. You don't want the next time to be the "first" time if the supervisor knew nothing about it.

Answer 3

I'm guessing you don't have anything to do with why they are so upset. Just remember that you're not involved, just nearby. If you wait until after work, then you ARE involved, because you have made the anger an issue between you. Help them to redirect their anger in a way that helps them to move forward instead of simmer. Without knowing what kind of work you are in and why they are angry it's hard to suggest wording, but......'Wow, Steve. It sounds like that customer was really demanding. Maybe we can come up with a better way to process invoices so we don't run into mixups like that again.'

Answer 4

We had an irritating co-worker on our job. I was very stressed and she came to talk to me about something. I can't even remember what she said but it set me off. I told her to get out of my office and slammed the door behind her.

I felt really bad and most unprofessional. I got my composure and went to her and apologized for being mean and rude. She too said that she was sorry for what she said. We hug, and moved on. Everything worked out fine after-wards.

It happens. I would just leave it alone and look at it as a person who is using you to vent about something or someone else, its nothing personal.

The person will think about what they did and come back to apologize if they are not too proud. I would ignore it.

Answer 5

I usually let them get it out. Depending on who it is, sometimes I smile and say I love you. It brings a smile to his face. Other times I just bicker back. Eventually we come to an agreement and both say I love you. If I know I'm right and he just can't see it, I don't give up. Sometimes we're just not on the same page. When we get there, it's great.
Yes we are co-workers, but spending more hours together than we do with our mates, you have to have a sense of humor.

Answer 6

you either pull them to the side n have a conversation thats what i did cuz i heard people were talkin about me so i pullled this person to the side b4 work n we had a chat n then the next day i got fired for confronting the problem*target* lol or u should maybe just walk away..n tell them im sorry that ur angry but please dont take it out on me

Answer 7

You have to find a way to overlook their anger. This is my suggestion. Pity them for being weak. When you have lost your temper you have lost period. It means you can not communicate any other way. Pity them, smile and go on about your business.

Answer 8

first i think "i payed good money for my therapy, i payed good money for my therapy" than when we leave i tell them "if we weren't at work id probably throw myself across the room and strangle you to with in an inch of your life,have a good afternoon" and i go home