Recognize This! – Anger does not “show passion.” Anger only hurts the bottom line.
I’ve written before about jerks at work and the negative effect of bullying and bad behavior in the workplace. In those posts, I’ve explained some of the research behind how such behavior also negatively impacts the bottom line.
Robert L. Johnson, founder and president of the RLJ Companies, explained this even more fully from a CEO’s perspective in the New York Times“Corner Office” column, especially why anger has no place in the workplace:
Mr. Johnson succinctly teaches 3 clear lessons about why anger should be kept out of work:
1. Anger costs you money.
2. Anger doesn’t solve the problem.
3. Anger breaks down your positive culture in which the work gets done better and faster.
So why do we allow people to get away with anger and similar emotions at work? I think it’s because we justify these behaviors as “passionate.” After all, someone who gets so angry must care a good deal about the work or the results, right?
Mr. Johnson gives the lie that that argument:
And with that parting shot, Mr. Johnson gives us a bonus reason to eliminate anger in the workplace: increased retention.
Does anger pervade your workplace? Is it condoned or does leadership actively work to promote an environment that dissuades anger?