18th July 2023
Managing Workplace Anger: Lessons from Djokovic’s Racket Smash
This article discusses how to handle anger in the workplace, using Novak Djokovic’s racket smash incident as an example. It highlights the physical manifestation of anger and the importance of managing outbursts to maintain a positive work environment. Experts suggest steps such as stepping away, listening, maintaining professionalism, and finding solutions to move forward. Emphasizing self-awareness and self-compassion, the article provides practical advice for dealing with workplace anger.
From the original article written by Jenny Holliday and published in HR Grapevine:
Rage can happen in the workplace on a daily basis.
From the anger at a passive-aggressive email or comment, or a long-seated issue with a manager, all the way through to the emotions associated with a corporate decision, rage can simmer and boil over at any time.
And it was showcased at the Wimbledon Men’s Final last weekend. Novak Djokovic, the reigning champion and favourite to win going into the match, had just lost his serve in the fifth and final set against Carlos Alcaraz. Growing increasingly frustrated, took his anger out by slamming his racket into the post supporting the net on Centre Court.
He received a Court Violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, and although some may find the link tenuous, the incident gives cause to consider the ways we approach outbursts in the workplace.
While not everyone will see their anger or rage manifest physically, it’s not uncommon – whether that’s the slam of a keyboard or door, a mug hitting the sink in the work kitchen, or even lashing out at the photocopier.
Rob Bravo, Director of Coaching EMEA and Head of Wellbeing at Talking Talent explains: “Experiencing difficult emotions is an inescapable fact of life – we’re all aware of that and it’s the nature of being human. Whilst experiencing difficult emotions is healthy, sometimes it can be unhelpful, especially as leaders where we have an enormous impact on everyone around us.
“Emotions have a substantial influence on the cognitive processes in humans, including perception, attention, learning, memory, reasoning, and problem solving. When emotions become overwhelming, and leaders fail to manage them appropriately, the negative impact can have far reaching effects through an organisation.”
OK, so we might not all smash a tennis racket against the net, but physical manifestation of anger can happen in the workplace, from the shove of a chair behind you as you storm away from a meeting or your desk, to slamming of doors or even, in extreme circumstances, breaking of equipment.
Djokovic received a code violation for his behaviour on court – and for some, disciplinary action might be warranted. However, there is also an element of understanding and processing, experts agree. It can also be a build up of stress, rather than a sudden moment out of the blue.
Alan Price, Group COO, Peninsula Global and CEO of BrightHR Global, says that while anger can take managers and Outbursts of anger by employees in the workplace are often unexpected and can take managers and colleagues by surprise. It is important to manage these outbursts when they happen to avoid the situation escalating and affecting other employees. Outbursts of anger that are not handled properly can have a negative impact on employee morale and productivity, and even lead to a toxic work culture.
“Managers should encourage the employee to step away from the situation and go to a quiet space such as a meeting room. Once the employee has calmed down, the employee’s manager should discuss with them what caused the angry outburst and try to find a way to resolve the issue. It may be appropriate to signpost the employee to sources of help such as occupational health, mental health first aiders or an employee assistance programme if the employee is experiencing problems with anger. In some circumstances disciplinary action may be warranted, in which case the employer should make sure that they follow their disciplinary procedure.”
Read the full article to find out what methods we can use to manage anger in the workplace and move forward.
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