The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence

by Gavin de Becker

He has undertaken or attached himself to crusades or missions at work. (This is particularly significant if he has waged what he might characterize as a “one-man war”). 12) Unreasonable Expectations He expects elevation, long-term retention, an apology, being named “the winner” in some dispute, or being found “right.” 13) Grievance He has a grievance pending or he has a history of filing unreasonable grievances. 14) Police encounters He has had recent police encounters (including arrests) or he has a history that includes assaultive or behavioral offenses. 15) Media There have recently been news stories about workplace violence or other major acts of violence. Press reports on these subjects often stimulate others who identify with the perpetrators and the attention they got for their acts. Like public-figure attacks, major incidents of workplace violence tend to come in clusters, with perpetrators often referring to those who preceded them in the news. 16) Focus