It is so hard to be the bigger person when you are on the receiving end of a rant. If the information you hear is negative and hurtful, it can cause us to want to get revenge. Sometimes we receive these hurtful messages in an email or text. What this really means is the sender was hiding behind their computer or phone. These are especially hard not to respond to. I will always remind you that perception is everything! People put their own spin on the tone of your message regardless of your intentions. The best thing to do is nothing at all.
Should we respond or should we walk away? Think about what you would say and if it would really make a difference. Would it make you feel better? Probably not.
Being the bigger person and ignoring the negativity is the best approach. It is non-confrontational and the more professional way to handle the situation. Should you document what was said? Absolutely. This way you have proof of the conversation as well as the beginnings of a time-line if things escalate later on. You will put it aside in case you need it.
The person that has ranted toward you and the rant itself, has now lost all of its power. By responding you would have only added fuel to the fire. Being the bigger person, you have silently taken that power away from them.
This skill is something you must practice frequently as we tend to react quickly to people and forget to stop and think before we respond. I encourage you all to walk away from conflict when you can. It’s just not worth the trouble.
HR People Wrangler 