Written by Sue Dyer, Founder, IPI 

Anger is part of being human. On every construction project, tensions can run high, deadlines shift, plans change, weather interferes, and sometimes people just plain disagree. The challenge isn’t that anger shows up. The real issue is how we deal with it when it does. 

Left unchecked, anger can derail teamwork, damage relationships, and even put people at risk. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in 2023 46 construction workers lost their lives to workplace violence, largely from co-worker disputes. In 2025, construction still holds one of the highest rates of on-the-job violence, and it is also the industry with the highest rate of suicide. Clearly, learning how to deal with anger constructively is not optional. It’s essential for safety, productivity, and the health of our people. 

Where Do You Fall on the “Anger Thermometer”? 

Think about how you usually respond when anger rises. Do you quickly escalate to being furious, fuming, or even “ballistic”? Or do you tend to simmer with frustration, wanting to get even? Maybe you just get bothered or annoyed but keep it bottled up. 

Wherever you find yourself on the anger scale, the important thing is to recognize the signs early and bring your temperature down before it boils over. 

Seven Habits of People Who Handle Anger Well 

People who manage anger effectively do seven key things: 

1. Treat anger as normal. They know it’s not a flaw to feel anger, it’s just part of life. 
2. See anger as a signal. Anger is information that something needs attention. 
3. Pause before acting. They take time to think before responding. 
4. Express anger in moderation. They stay in control instead of lashing out. 
5. Aim to solve problems. Their goal is resolution, not just venting. 
6. Communicate clearly. They state their concerns in ways others can understand and respond to. 
7. Let it go. Once the issue is resolved, they don’t carry it forward. 

It takes practice!! By adopting these approaches, you not only keep yourself steady, but you also set the tone for others on your team. 

Practical Tips for Cooling Down 

When you feel anger growing, try these strategies: 

• Stay calm. Soften your face, breathe deeply, and talk quietly. 

• Use moderation. Keep your anger at a mild or medium level; don’t let it spike. 

• Remember you have a choice. You can say no to being pulled into someone else’s anger. 

Make It a Team Conversation 

Anger is contagious, but so is calm. This month, try using this as a toolbox talk with your project team. Ask: 

• What tends to set us off? 

• What strategies can we commit to for keeping anger under control?  

• How can we support each other if someone loses their cool? 

By having this conversation up front, you create a culture where people feel safe addressing problems before they escalate. 

Collaborative Partnering is about building strong, resilient teams. Keeping anger in check is a key part of that. Use this article as a toolbox talk on your project, and if you want to take it further, consider the IPI Project Leader Certification training. It equips teams with the collaborative tools they need to handle conflict, build trust, and keep projects moving forward, even when the pressure is on.