Confrontations often tempt us to remove all signs of hostility, diluting our frustration to the point of being ineffective. While it's not about losing your temper, acknowledging your anger and standing firm in that emotion can lead to resolution.
As Entrepreneur, the business blog, explains, the purpose of confrontation is to resolve conflict between two parties. If you sugarcoat things to the point where the other person doesn't realize the seriousness of the issue (or worse, thinks you're joking), nothing is truly resolved. You're angry enough to speak up, so make sure your actions reflect that.
A smile during a confrontation is often more insulting than a grimace. It undermines the seriousness of the issue and the person you're addressing. Confronting someone should always be treated with the gravity it deserves.
Expressing hostility requires tact. Avoid overreacting, accusing someone of 'always' or 'never' doing something, or letting your anger control you. Manage your emotions, but don't mask them so much that no one can tell you're upset. Otherwise, the issue won't be addressed properly.
Image courtesy of Final Gather.
