Everyone gets frustrated, right? Stuff happens and you get pissed. But when there's really something on the line, how are you going to respond?It’s one thing when your best friend stands you up to hangout with a girl you know isn’t good for him. In this case, you’d probably forget about it and be buying him a drink before the next evening.But it’s a whole different story when you find out you’re being burned in a business deal and someone you’ve been loyal to is holding the matches; it’s going to cost you a small fortune. That’s a bit harder to shake-off than the quarrel with your buddy.
Counting the costs
There are situations when getting Mad is healthy. There's a time and place to release your furor. But when employed in the wrong manner and at the wrong time…getting mad can cost you more than you bargained for. Anger in life can cause much worse problems than the following, but solely from a business perspective, here are 3 reasons you CANNOT AFFORD to let “mad” get the best of you.
1 - Mad costs you clarity
Laurence Peter once said "Speak when you are angry - and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret.” Thanks Laurence, i needed that. Scientifically, anger effects our brains on a cellular level, even compromising neurons in our brain’s command center for Stress*. One of our first reactions when we get rowd-up is to speak - as to vent, lash out, or attempt to save our ego. Having a second thought about what you let slip in these moments could be instrumental to your reputation, or how much #2 you have in the wake of what happened.
2 - Mad costs you leverage
Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one. - Ben Franklin
If the stakes are actually high enough to be upset, chances are there is something important on the line. One way to ensure that you’ll end up without the prize or retribution, is by compromising your leverage. Speaking out of line, failing to act strategically, and showing your hand in an attempt to save your ego can cost you dearly when it comes time to negotiate, compromise, or reason with the offending party.Have a moment to take inventory of the situation. What things are working to your advantage? Who is playing for your team? Is there a way to work things out peacefully with a low impact on future relationships, reputation, and your pocket?
3 - Mad costs you money
This is the ultimate scenario where you cannot afford to let your attitude get the best of you…literally. If there is ever a time when you have to learn to control your anger, it’s when there is money on the line.It has never been - nor will it ever be - healthy to make a crucial decision when you are mad. *Harvard says that angry people are more likely to seek risk-taking behavior. Making a decision while upset can push you off of your natural thought process and rational that creates your personal risk-profile (how open you are to taking risks). Putting something big on the line in a moment of unclarity could result in a life-time of heartache and regret.
Be Proactive
The best way to avoid this type of scenario is to have a game plan regarding how you choose to respond to angry. Knowing your natural tendencies when you get mad is a great way to avoid making a mistake. When i get mad, my natural response is to shut down. Then i blew up when i can't rationalize the situation myself. Having a safe place to talk with someone i trust is crucial to keeping a even keel. Finding this outlet could save you in the future when you find yourself in a tight spot.
