Editor's letter: Keeping calm

What is it that drives you to the point of full-blown rage, asks Manju Manglani

What is it that drives you to the point of full-blown rage? And how often are you there?

Everyone experiences annoyances of varying levels throughout the day, but I’m talking about the ones that push your buttons to the point where you are clenching your fists and contemplating using them (or a sharp object to hand).

It may be a vital system breaking down at a crucial moment. Or, it may be colleagues repeatedly failing to do what is expected of them on time. Research has found that frequent causes of workplace anger include disrespectful behaviour and incompetence (or perceptions of such) in colleagues.

The way people react in stressful situations is supposed to be a test of character. Indeed, many frequently deal with the small annoyances in a calm '¨and professional manner. However, there are those few occasions when tempers are lost, subordinates are shouted at and things are thrown around.

Is this a result of an accumulation of stressors or is it linked to the personalities of those who make it to the top? Perhaps the drive to achieve is '¨so great that the failures of colleagues are felt more deeply than successes. '¨Or, perhaps there is a darker and more worrying reason.

This month, we look at the prevalence of antisocial behaviours – and their causes – in law firms.

Until next time,

Manju Manglani, Editor

mmanglani@wilmington.co.uk

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