Information in Emotion: Anger

If we follow the line of research in the field of emotional intelligence, we will get to the first insight: there is information in emotion. This is an interesting proposition as it implies that emotion is a form of language that we need to decipher if we are going to understand our emotional reactions and the reactions of others.

It is not uncommon of individuals in coaching to reveal how angry and upset they may be about a situation that has evolved in their work activities. When asked, "What made you angry?" the answer tends to really be a justification for their response rather than insight about what triggered the anger.

Here is the really tough pill: no one makes us have any particular kind of emotion. The emotion is generated within our skin and our own psychological makeup. Even so, there is a common thread for the meaning of the anger--or the primary information in this particular emotion.

When we dig into anger, we find that the individual feels there are unmet expectations and perceived violations of values or agreements, and sometimes anger is prompted by another emotion--fear. This is the information our psyche is trying to tell us--we are interpreting something in a particular way.

When we are angry, the internal feedback is that we perceive an individual has:

• Failed to fulfill an expectation or agreement.
• Intentionally violated an important value or principle.
• Created a barrier to reaching an objective.
• Misused or misjudged us in some way.
• Gotten in your way intentionally.

Fortunately, we have ways to level out the anger and to bring equilibrium back to your mental and emotional system. This is important because we know that when we are angry, no reasonable problem-solving can be achieved and the potential for bigger problems is just one outburst away.

So, in practical terms, we can both act and think in the following ways to calm the angry emotion pulsing through our bodies:

• Physical activities: Take a 5-minute break away from the individual/situation
• Ask yourself: How can I physically move to defuse the situation?
• Spiritual reflection: Psychologically detach for 30 seconds
• Ask yourself: What does this anger reflect about me?
• Cognitive strategy: Imagine a favorite vacation spot
• As yourself: What is the best outcome in this situation?
• Social networking: Ask to speak to a trusted colleague
• Ask yourself: Who do I know that manages this well?
• Emotions tactic: Calmly express disappointment
• Ask yourself: How important is this emotion now?

We (@talenttelligent) want to provide you with insight and practical tips to enrich each individual and enhance our well-being while on the journey.