Almost every day the news is filled some form of violent behavior in the schools, workplace and public. We look at the carnage and hope we’re not the next victim to taste of its sting, because it can and does happen. Prior to the attack, most organizations thought, “It couldn’t happen to me/us”, but often there were warning signs if a person knows where to look.
Crisis management training should be proactive. Paying attention to warning signs helps an organization prevent (or at the very least lessen) the impact of violence.
Below are potential red flags a company might watch for as part of their crisis management program. These red flags may not only allow you to protect your organization, but find help for the person displaying such behaviors. While none of the behaviors on the list below are total indicators of a violence problem in the workplace, they should be taken seriously as often persons who plan violent acts put out so called red flags before taking action.
- Unexplainable and/or severe changes in behavior.
- Abusive attitudes towards another person or groups.
- Not handling stressful situations well.
- Observable changes in quality and quantity of work.
- Violent comments on Facebook or other social media outlets.
- Arguing over almost everything especially management decisions.
- Home and marital problems.
- Drinking to excess (or drug use).
- Playing violent video games and reveling over the blood and gore.
- Disciplinary problems. (Reprimands; or firings.)
- Severe financial problems.
- Sudden level of calm or happiness in an otherwise chronically struggling person.
Action points:
- Please visit our HR Talk blog on www.executiveadvantagellc.com for this and other great HR topics. To enhance our understanding of the problem, you may also want to share your experiences on this issue.
- Send Doris or me an email to be notified of upcoming seminars on DOL audit prep, or to discuss crisis management.
In the case of workplace violence, proactivity can save much time, money and heartache.