Call center professionals and employees are trained to be as diplomatic and as patient as possible. Bearing the brunt of unreasonable requests, rude inquiries, and ill-mannered clients, they know that the drill includes leaving the issues in the cubicle and starting anew by the next shift.
Despite knowing how “it’s not about you, it’s about them” and how “nothing is personal”, we are just human. We get hurt, we take the hits. Other issues can also make it hard to compartmentalize what’s personal and what isn’t.
Here’s how to deal when anger overwhelms you.
- Know your warning signs – Anger can cause a rush of adrenaline. Before you recognize anger, you might notice that your breathing and heartbeat quicken. You may also notice your face turning red or that your body begins to tense. Spotting these signs already gives you the chance to think before you act. Difficult at the heat of the moment, true. But the earlier you notice how you’re feeling, the easier it will be to choose how to manage your rage.
- Buy yourself some time – And we mean taking a time out! Getting angry is like riding a fast car. It feels great to go over the top and release all that pent-up anger with a melodramatic outburst! But often, we just need a little time away from the situation. This allows us to calm down and be more in control. This includes: counting to 10 (or more), going for a short run or jog, speaking with a person who isn’t connected to the issue ( a counselor, family member, peer), or simply physically removing yourself from the situation.
- Practice calming techniques – Calming techniques abound. Here are a few you can do to suit what’s convenient at the time you are cross.
- Breathing techniques – Breathe out longer than you take to breathe in. it helps to count your breath so your mind won’t wander. Begin with 20 cycles of breathing in and out.
- Relax – Lessen the tension in your body by focusing on each part of your body and relaxing your muscles.
- Work out – Sports is a great way to work off your anger while getting your cardio and muscle work in.
- Release energy safely – There are ways to release the negative energy without hurting yourself or others. It could be as simple as tearing newspaper, smashing ice cubes in a sink, throwing a ball or pillow against a wall, or jumping up and down.
- Distract yourself – Divert your attention by completely changing the physical and mental scenery. Listen to music. Keep your hands busy with arts and crafts, or repairs at home. Make or bake something. Color or draw. Write in a journal or take a cold shower.
Overwhelming anger can be frightening. But acknowledging it and knowing these tips can keep negative consequences at bay.
Do keep in mind that outbursts (whether yours or someone else’s) that turn violent or even abusive will need the help of a professional.
At NEARSOL, we teach you life techniques that help you personally and professionally.
Join the NEARSOL family!
NEARSOL is a US-based BPO and service company that offers clients custom-design solutions. It began operations in 2006 and has since gained a strong presence in the Latin American regions, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific, winning many awards for quality and service along the way. Most recent of which is its Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition.
The Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition is a global accreditation that tells stakeholders what employees think of the company culture. In brief, it says a lot about the happiness and productivity index in NEARSOL. The certification process shows that employees are satisfied with the working environment and that they trust the leaders.
Come and discover why our employees think we’re a great place to work!
Visit NEARSOL.US and apply through NIA, NEARSOL’s recruitment chatbot and personalized platform for the application process.
Visit our LinkedIn to learn more about our company and our global footprint./PN
