Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
How to Deal With an Aggressive Coworker
Step1
Be candid and straightforward with them at all times. If someone's aggressive behavior is impeding your work, you must address the issue with that person. This is easier said than done, but it is also the most surefire way to diffuse this person's aggression. Often times, people who act in an aggressive way are continuing their behavior because no one has stepped up and confronted them. All a confrontation needs to be is a short conversation that addresses the problem.
Step2
Ignore the aggressive behavior. It is the second-most effective way to extinguish aggressive behavior. This technique is used by behavioral therapists for children with special needs, but it works on adults as well. Once a behavior is ignored, the behavior will escalate in severity for a short time. This will be followed by, what behavior therapists refer to as an "extinction burst," where the aggressive individual will give up the behavior, having realized that the behavior will not gain them the attention they desire.
Step3
Bring the behavior to the attention of your superior. The last line of defense is your superior. When solving behavior issues interpersonally cannot work, one of the jobs of someone in a managerial position is to deal with personnel issues. They may refer you to a Human Resources department. Whomever you speak to, make sure that you are professional and not emotional. Present the offense (or offenses) in an organized fashion and be specific. Your HR department will most likely have a system in place already regarding how to address aggression issues.
Novice 
