Are anger management courses a helpful option that can improve the lives of those who take them, or just a tool employers use to avoid lawsuits or to keep from having to fire someone? That is a fair question, and I am going to give you an answer.
Both are correct.
I know I sound wishy-washy, but let me explain. Think about the employee who has let dissatisfaction with his job grow over time, until he curses out his supervisor or punches a hole in the wall. What do you do with him? Clearly, he presents a risk in the workplace. Still, the company may have invested a lot in him, and his loss might seriously affect the bottom line.
Imagine that this employee is sent to anger management classes as an option to avoid termination. He agrees, he keeps his job, and the company keeps him. Problem solved. Or is it?
Whether employer-mandated or court ordered, the real success of anger management classes is determined by the attitude of the participant. Here are some examples of unhealthy attitudes.
1. Seeing Anger Management as a means to an end. Some people just want to get in and out. The certificate of completion is the "prize," and they pay just enough attention in class to pass the exam. They view the whole experience as little more than something they have to do to keep their job or stay out of jail.
2. Never acknowledging the problem. People don't like to be wrong, and often find it difficult to admit they might need help. As long as someone or something else is getting the blame, the anger management courses student lacks any control over the problem. They can't really fix something that is outside their control.
3. Being a "know-it-all." We have all met someone like this. They think they are smarter than everyone else, and they express that belief quite frequently. To them, anger management classes are a waste of time. They don't believe they are going to learn anything, so they aren't open to the possibility.
Unhealthy attitudes are a serious roadblock to success. With that in mind, let me suggest some alternate ways to think about anger management... ways of taking the "bull" out and making it a rewarding experience!
If you are required to take anger management, adopt the attitude that you may have at least some degree of a problem, and that the classes have a chance of helping. Consider it an act of faith that could open up a world of possibilities. If you are willing to look for answers, you just might find them.
Realize you have choices, even if you feel forced to take the classes. You can choose to coast through, or actively listen and try to learn something. Bosses can lead you to anger management courses, but they can't make you find peace. Ultimately, the choice lies with you!
Try opening up. Talk to your fellow group members. If you are working online, search for an anger chat or forum. If you are normally shy, you might find it easier to talk to your new classmates than the people you work with. They start out as strangers, and you get a fresh start. If you tell them how you feel, they will respect you for it. You don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing.
