How to Deal With an Angry Employee
- 1). Open the conversation with your employee as soon as possible. If she expresses dissatisfaction at a staff meeting, ask whether she would prefer to talk about the issues there or in private. If she does not want to discuss the issues at all, tell her that you understand that she might be worried about bringing her concerns into the open and that you can return to the conversation in a few days. If she does not come to you, go back to her after a little time has passed and ask her again what is bothering her.
- 2). Address your employee's emotions rather than their cause. Say something like, "I get the impression that you're upset with me. I'd like to help fix this. What's going on?" Then listen to what he says without interrupting or retaliating. When he has finished, let him know you heard him by saying something like, "It sounds like you're upset because... Is this what you meant?"
- 3). Remind your employee that you are on the same team. Rather than attacking her opinions or emotions, explain yours, and say that you want to solve the problem or find a compromise. One system is to remind her of something that you agree on before you try to solve the issue. For example, say something like, "We both want the office to operate smoothly, and neither of us wants to dread coming to work. Let's fix this, so we can all enjoy our jobs."
- 4). Ask your employee if he is pleased with the solution you reach. Establish that he feels better. If he does not, ask him if he would like to discuss it further at that time or let it sit for a few days before returning to it. Employees might be unwilling to stop being angry instantly, so give him time to cool down if he needs it.
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