We can categorize aggressive behavior into three types −

●      Disruptive Behavior − It disturbs a normal workplace environment. Disruptive behavior may include screaming, swearing, waving arms, punching gestures, verbally abusing colleagues, and denying response to a legitimate request for information.

●      Threatening Behavior − It includes moving very close to a person aggressively or making oral or written threats to people or property.

●      Violent Behavior − It includes physical assaults, which may be unarmed or armed. It also includes any action, a reasonable person would believe is potentially violent.

For example, throwing stuff, pounding on a desk or door, smashing workplace objects, or threatening to hurt or shoot another person fall within violent behavior.

In general, how to deal with employee performance problems or interpersonal conflict?

●      Quick intervention is the key. Letting problems faster is a recipe for violence.

●      Checking with the firm’s HR department to find the proper role in handling the situation is desirable.

●      Determining all the facts of the situation is desirable. This information should be secured from all parties engaged in the conflict.

●      Set clear expectations for need of quick resolution of the conflict

●      When all parties have agreed for a solution, monitoring its implementation and getting re-involved is necessary.