Troubles at the workplace...

I just tore into someone from another dept, called them an asshole amd told them to fuck off in front of everyone, and also damaged some office equipment out of anger. As good as that felt, I'm not sure how this will play out, especially given I'm loved by my boss and hated by almost everyone else at work.

For those in management, HR or legal, any advice on the best way to cover my ass?

I'm not ashamed to say I actually have been to a shrink for anger issues.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/72d...orkergoescrazy

Given that your boss is your only ally, you should probably consult with him/her first, explain what you did, and ask for guidance. His/her response will probably let you know really quickly whether they've got your back or not on this. If you get kind of a wishy washy response, you're likely in deep shit. I say this from a management perspective.

It's probably relevant to ask whether you saw the shrink as mandated by your employer or it's something you did on your own.

Let us know how it comes out. I'd love to do that at my office. But everybody would quit and I'm the boss, so it really wouldn't do me much good.

Woop's

If your consistent on your performance and have not been written up on any other prior issues and if your behavior is somewhat stable you should be fine.

However, if management or HR has spoken to you about prior incidents then this might be the last straw that breaks the camels back.

Especially if your other co-workers start to complain about feeling unsafe or threaten about your actions and presence. Which more than likely they will, just to try to dig you deeper in your grave.

But Oppa is right, check with your boss first and feel him out; but remember in the end he's more than likely not going to put his job in jeopardy for your job.

I have no patience with that kind of immature behavior. It poisons the atmosphere for everyone. Intentionally damaging office equipment is the 'cause' part of 'termination for cause', and that's what would be the result if I were your boss. I don't know you so I'm not judging you, just providing a perspective of the described situation as you requested.

If your behavior is justified by conditions that you haven't shared and that we know nothing about, today should have been the day you quit. If you don't quit and don't get fired, you're the office asshole in everyone else's eyes. If you quit in a blaze of glory like that, you're the office legend (and unemployed).

As for covering your ass, why not start with pulling your pants up.

especially given I'm loved by my boss and hated by almost everyone else at work. Originally Posted by nookiebandit

This is the bigger question that jumped out at me. I applaud you for realizing you have an anger issue. Do you enjoy working at a place where you feel like everyone else hates you? You've got a lot of work ahead of you.

He is probably his boss' right hand, aka hachet man.

If that had happened at my office the security guards would have called and had so much fun taken you down. They are all Ex-Marines fully armed and ready to strike, in the 5 years I've been there I've not even seen a door get slammed.

Another video to enjoy... Bad Day -With music from Daniel Powter

Since Texas is a 'right to work' state, you are totally at the mercy of your boss and the HR department.

I would go to the boss, ask for forgiveness, agree to a probationary period of a few months, and offer to obtain anger management counseling. Your companies' health plan might even cover the cost.

And if you get to keep your job, bring donuts or kolaches one morning a week, like clockwork!!!

#thevoiceofexperience

All responses have been on target with advice IMHO. There is one other point that may subtract from any support your boss may offer however. If the other workers feel threatened or fear physical harm from your outburst, then the boss may have limited options to protect the business especially if he is not the owner, corporate ownership, public, etc. A lawsuit, threatened or implied, may well make the decision to retain or release you for him. I agree with slowmover and applaud you for taking ownership of the issue. Good luck!

I applaud you for realizing you have an anger issue.

Though that is half the battle, getting into an argument with a co-worker and damaging office equipment makes it seem like the issue is unresolved.

Give your boss something to blame your behavior on....maybe your doing hormone therapy or you just came back from the dentist...you have to convince him and HR that this is an isolated incident. If one of my guys did this I would have to justify keeping him which makes me vulnerable if it happens again. Most good (see successful) managers do not put there ass on the line for anyone, UNLESS you have a skill or talent that cannot be duplicated (most of the time this is NOT the case.)
A full and public apology is probably in your future and God help you if you lose your temper again.

YY