How to Recognize and Assess the Situation

You’ve encountered an irate person in the workplace. What do you do?

The first step to the 4-step de-escalation process is to recognize and assess the situation.

Your safety is paramount. You must first assess the degree of danger you are in. Ask yourself:

• “Is there a path that can allow me to retreat?”
• “Does the agitated person have a weapon or are they threatening to retrieve one?”
• “Am I being threatened with bodily harm?”
• “Am I confident I can interact with this individual without becoming defensive or angry?”

You should only proceed if you feel confident and safe.

If you proceed, you can retreat at any time if you don’t feel safe.

Learn the other 3 steps to the de-escalation process!

Enroll Your Staff in Active Shooter Preparedness and Verbal De-escalation Training

TPOP’s verbal de-escalation course gives each learner the knowledge and confidence to manage workplace conflict — before it turns into workplace violence.

Let’s talk today about your training needs.