When Anger Becomes Aggression

The most dreaded impacts of anger are those that come from aggression. Aggression can be physical or verbal; active or passive; direct or indirect. The matrix below organizes the various forms of workplace aggression within these categories.



When you identify such acts of aggression, it is safe to say that you have diagnosed an expression of anger. Active and direct forms of aggression are the easiest signs and symptoms to identify, while passive and indirect forms are the most difficult. It is a mixed blessing that passive and indirect forms are by far the most common. They are less noticeable and less damaging in the short term, but for these reasons they can continue without remedy for significant periods of time. This can result in considerable damage to interpersonal relationships and team performance as well as the organization as a whole.

Be aware of anger's more subtle and insidious signs and symptoms so you can deal with them before they turn into the more dangerous acts of direct and active aggression.