Can we talk about being mad? Can we talk about the difference between healthy and unhealthy anger for a change? The emotion of anger often carries a poor reputation, doesn’t it? But believe this: assertive anger has many positive and constructive benefits.
THE INTENT OF HEALTHY ANGER IS TO BE OF USE
The intent of healthy or useful anger is never to destroy. “Good” or positive anger motivates you to make “good” choices and decisions. Healthy anger strives to:
1. Force a change in the status quo
2. Get someone to do something differently
3. Let go of the old
4. Make something new happen in your business or personal life
5. Receive a response instead of being ignored
6. Be treated as an equal instead of a subordinate
7. Make your family function better as a team
8. Live a life of meaning instead of a life of quiet desperation
9. Make your voice count
10. Leave the world a better place
11. Redress grievances through healthy discourse
12. Learn, grow and change against all the odds
WHY FEAR ANGER?
In short, positive anger rights things when they go wrong. Do you believe that there are clear and positive advantages to anger, or do you simply fear anger because so much damage is done in the name of “getting even?” Must you and I automatically act or talk stupidly or spitefully when you and I are mad at one another? Of course not!
Dr. Dennis O’Grady is a communications psychologist and leadership development expert from Dayton, Ohio, and the author of TALK TO ME: Communication Moves to Get Along with Anyone. Are you the leader of your life?