How To Channel Anger As An Emotional Intelligence Strategy

This week’s edition of the LEADx EQ Habits™ Newsletter is all about anger. If you have a moment, hit reply and let me know what you think!

There is no shortage of articles and advice on how to control your anger. “Take a deep breath, count to ten, exercise, limit your caffeine intake, meditate,” and so on. But, imagine if you could use anger to your advantage. What if you could channel your anger to improve your performance?

The research shows that channeling anger in a constructive way is a surprisingly effective strategy. That said, it’s by no means an easy technique to master. As Aristotle wrote some 2400 years ago: “Anyone can become angry —that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way—this is not easy.”

The Research: Anger Improves Performance

To use anger to your advantage, it helps to understand how exactly it can help you improve your performance. Here are three key studies: