Everyone has been talking about that Oscars slap. Less is being said about the reaction and de-escalation efforts of presenter Chris Rock, but Rock\u2019s response is one of the main takeaways from the situation. It\u2019s essential to keep a cool head when violence in the workplace starts to emerge, and all organizations should provide best practices to deescalate and even prevent workplace violence, especially in these troubling times.<\/p>\n
A Violence Epidemic<\/p>\n
According to the National Safety Council, a leading non-profit safety advocate for the workplace and roadways, over 20,000 assault-related injuries and 392 deaths resulted from workplace violence in 2020. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported in 2021 that violence is the second leading cause of death in the workplace, closely behind vehicle accidents, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), homicide is the number one cause of death for women in the workplace.<\/p>\n
These sobering statistics raise the question of what can organizations and employees do to stop workplace violence in its tracks before it becomes another troubling headline?<\/p>\n
According to Eric Waidelich, Manager of Operations and Business Development at Rizikon, a risk management consulting firm, the number one step anyone can take to reduce workplace violence is to recognize the warning signs of escalating behavior and respond promptly with the appropriate de-escalation tactic.<\/p>\n
What is Behavior Escalation?<\/p>\n
Behavior escalation means that a person is showing a certain pattern of behavior that can get worse over time and follows a specific pattern. By responding with a de-escalation tactic, that pattern may be interrupted and hopefully, a resolution can be reached. Keep in mind that not every person will go through these stages in this exact order, and your response also should adjust accordingly. When confronted with a person showing these warning signs, be sure to assess your own physical safety before proceeding.<\/p>\n
The 5 Signs of Behavior Escalation and How to Respond Source: Eric Waidelich and OSHA Academy<\/p>\n
Stage One: Confusion<\/p>\n
Warning signs:<\/p>\n
\u25cf Bewildered or distracted appearance<\/p>\n
\u25cf The subject seems unsure or uncertain of what to do next<\/p>\n
\u25cf The subject may seem overwhelmed<\/p>\n
Helpful Responses:<\/p>\n
\u25cf Listen attentively. Don\u2019t directly challenge.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Ask clarifying questions to seek understanding (example, \u201cWhat I\u2019m hearing you say is ______\u201d<\/p>\n
\u25cf Give factual information<\/p>\n
Stage Two: Frustration<\/p>\n
Warning signs:<\/p>\n
\u25cf Impatient and reactive behavior<\/p>\n
\u25cf Resistant to information you are giving<\/p>\n
\u25cf Appears defeated<\/p>\n
\u25cf May try to bait you into an argument<\/p>\n
Helpful Responses:<\/p>\n
\u25cf Continue to listen and offer factual information<\/p>\n
\u25cf If possible, relocate to a quiet location (try to have another person with you whenever possible and always an escape route in mind)<\/p>\n
\u25cf Provide reassurance<\/p>\n
\u25cf Make a sincere attempt to clarify concerns<\/p>\n
Stage Three: Blame<\/p>\n
Warning signs<\/p>\n
\u25cf Subject places blame for problems on everyone else<\/p>\n
\u25cf Critical of the actions of others<\/p>\n
\u25cf Subject may accuse you or hold you responsible<\/p>\n
*Here the subject may cross over into potentially hazardous behavior<\/p>\n
Helpful Responses<\/p>\n
\u25cf Disengage with the person and bring a second party into the discussion<\/p>\n
\u25cf Use a teamwork approach<\/p>\n
\u25cf Draw the person back to the facts<\/p>\n
\u25cf Show respect and concern<\/p>\n
\u25cf Focus on areas of agreement to help resolve the situation<\/p>\n
Stage Four: Anger<\/p>\n
Warning Signs<\/p>\n
\u25cf The subject will show a significant change in body posture<\/p>\n
\u25cf The subject may engage in aggressive behaviors like shouting, screaming, cursing, pointing fingers, pounding with fists, placing hands on head & closing eyes<\/p>\n
*Anger behaviors are red flags that your safety may be at risk. Assess your physical safety before continuing to engage.<\/p>\n
Helpful Responses<\/p>\n
\u25cf Don\u2019t argue with the person<\/p>\n
\u25cf Maintain a safe physical distance and know your escape route<\/p>\n
\u25cf Don\u2019t offer solutions \u2013 rational discussion is over<\/p>\n
\u25cf Ask the person to leave \u2013 be firm, but calm<\/p>\n
Stage Five: Hostility<\/p>\n
Warning Signs<\/p>\n
\u25cf Physical action or threats seem about to happen<\/p>\n
\u25cf There is immediate danger of physical harm or property damage<\/p>\n
\u25cf Out-of-control behavior shows the subject has crossed the line<\/p>\n
Helpful Responses<\/p>\n
\u25cf Disengage and evacuate the area entirely or to a secure location<\/p>\n
\u25cf Attempt to isolate the person if it can be done safely (put a barrier between them and you)<\/p>\n
\u25cf Alert proper authorities and contact your supervisor<\/p>\n
The statistics above paint a grim picture of the reality of workplace violence all around us, but awareness of the warning signs is a major step in the right direction. As you approach a person displaying the above warning signs, it is essential to project calm confidence rather than confrontation. Avoid criticizing or lecturing; rather, focus on the feelings, themes, and motivation revealed by the speaker. Fortunately, in the recent Oscars scandal, Chris Rock was able to quickly assess the problem and respond in a de-escalating manner. Sometimes being a hero requires only some empathy and a listening ear.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Everyone has been talking about that Oscars slap. Less is being said about the reaction and de-escalation efforts of presenter Chris Rock, but Rock\u2019s response is one of the main takeaways from the situation. It\u2019s essential to keep a cool … Continue reading