Working Anger Book

In modern America, violence in the workplace has become a given. In fact, "going postal" has become such a cliche that Americans fail to see the true extent of the problem. While work-related homicides get lots of news coverage, nonfatal assaults, harassment, bomb threats, rape, and robbery do not -- and the shocking truth is that over 18,000 such incidents occur every week. Theories to account for these sobering statistics often point to increased workloads, downsizing (or fear of downsizing), and other workplace stressors. But there is often litle action beyond theorizing. Few organizations are equipped to handle violence or teach their employees how to deal with interpersonal conflicts in the first place.

In this practical, down-to-earth guide for both individuals and workplace managers, author Ronald T. Potter-Efron provides a step-by-step program designed to help people deal with anger -- their own or anyone else's -- while at work. First, he details the problems that arise when people fail to differentiate between conflicts at work and at home, then he offers practical suggestions for conflict prevention, reduction, and resolution. He explores the responsibility of workers to be accountable for their own anger and, just as important, the resonsibility of companies to provide healthy environments for conflict resolution. At a time when a new emphasis on team building as a key to productivity has intensified the interdependency among employees, Potter-Efron's guide is a key to healthy organizations and employees.