Life coach shares six ways to cope with anger in a professional setting

After Delhi Capitals’ captain Rishabh Pant angrily called back his batsmen in an act of protest during an IPL match, cricket fans and commentators have been left with a bitter aftertaste. A life coach suggests ways of dealing with anger in a professional space

Conflicts, as and when they rear their heads in popular media, might prod our ire or pride. The reaction depends on which side we are on. But when a disagreement involves your public image and high stakes — both on the personal and collective front, it is best to not think in anger. An unsavoury incident from last week in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 makes us question if judgments should always be guided by emotions. During last weekend’s match, the high full-toss from Obed McCoy of Rajasthan Royals was pulled into the stands for a six by Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Rovman Powell. The umpire’s debatable decision of not awarding a no-ball to the batting team saw DC captain Rishabh Pant and assistant coach Pravin Amre losing their cool in front of millions of viewers. The duo ended up receiving fines. Amre was also handed a one-match ban for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.

Step back and reflect in a tense office situation. Representation Pic

Cricket matches or not, sticky situations can surface anytime anywhere. Would it be wise to react impetuously in a professional space, when a plan suddenly collapses? Is it alright if your ‘said’ actions dictate serious consequences? Mumbai-based life and victory coach Farzana Suri says while it is okay to be emotional in tough circumstances, learn to step back, too. She advises:

>> From the top

There’s nothing wrong in being sentimental about things. Any issue that crops up in a corporate set-up can make you feel angry, hurt or upset. All of those emotions are absolutely natural. So, don’t beat yourself over it. Rather, think of ways to regulate your feelings.

>> Hurdles come and go

Like breaths, difficult situations come and go. Individuals should remind themselves that like many challenges they have faced in the past, this too shall pass. The realisation can help one cool off in the moment. Suri adds, “Once you are aware of that, you will not let the incident consume the rest of your life, and act wisely.”

>> Be cognizant of control

Some things in life are in your control and some are not. When the source of a discord or conflict is external and you can’t do anything about it, step back.

>> Look for perspective

When conflicts happen in office, try and see the whole situation unfurl as a third person. Be a viewer, especially if your senior’s stand is unfair towards you. The practice helps in gaining perspective. “We often forget that decisions can have a background we are unaware of. Often the management instructs a team leader to take certain calls. Instead of losing sleep over how you have been treated, give people some benefit of doubt,” Suri suggests.

Farzana Suri

>> Seek closure through communication

While ways of controlling possible knee jerk reactions are effective in guarding one’s own sanity, sometimes ‘grave bads’ need to be addressed. If that be so, rely on the basics of communication when the moment passes. Bring up the incident to your team or to seniors in office with an intention to discuss. Also, check if you have evidence or instances to back your viewpoint.

>> Don’t make it all about yourself
Some fights are not worth fighting. So, ask yourself if the resolution of a discord will benefit you or a greater percentage of people. Then, pick and choose your battles.

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