Kansas Professionals: Learn to Manage Anger or Risk Losing Your License

The phrase “going postal” has come to mean an individual’s loss of workplace control. Although most professionals are lucky that such extreme expressions of anger are rare, most have had the experience of knowing an angry co-worker or superior. Although anger is a normal human emotion, the expression of this emotion can have a devastating effect on a professional’s career and can even result in the loss of professional’s license. Unfortunately, professionals often do not become aware that they have a problem controlling anger until they have received notice of a complaint from their respective licensing board.

Anger has many degrees from mild—a mere annoyance, to strong—a full blown rage. It is also important to recognize that two people who have problems controlling anger may show anger in completely different manners. One may be a typical “hot head” while another may engage in more passive-aggressive behaviors and seek to undermine those around him or her. Either way, a licensee’s inability to control his or her anger can have numerous unintended consequences at the work place, including but not limited to:

  • Not being invited to participate in meetings or special projects
  • Loss of respect from colleagues
  • Increased turnover of employees
  • Decreased opportunities for advancement
  • Being avoided or not listened to by co-workers/staff
  • Making avoidable mistakes or judgment errors
  • Unhappy customers or patients

The first step in dealing with anger issues is to learn to determine the true cause of the anger. Although this may seem fairly straight-forward, many angry licensees do not know why they are experiencing anger. Frustrations that at first glance may seem work-related may not have anything to do with work. For example, anger related to personal and/or financial problems can unexpectedly surface at work. Divorce or the unexpected loss of a loved one are events that can often spill over into one’s professional life. For some, just learning the cause of the anger can make the anger easier to manage.

Once you are aware of the cause of anger, the next step is to learn how to manage those feelings. A healthy way to express anger is to do so in an assertive, but non-aggressive manner. Learning how to express your feelings and needs in a way that is respectful of yourself and others is not only a skill that is necessary in the workplace but will also serve a licensee in all aspects of career and life. If you believe you have problems controlling your anger and believe that anger is affecting your career, it is wise to speak with a counselor.

If you received notice from your licensing board that a complaint has been filed against you, contact the Sanger Law Office. At the Sanger Law Office, we will take the time to listen to you and determine the best strategy to protect your livelihood and your reputation. Do not delay contacting the Sanger Law today today at 785-979-4353 to schedule your free and completely confidential consultation.

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