We all have that one person at work who is so frustrating that sometimes you just want to pull your hair, bang your desk, and scream your lungs out.
Difficult people are everywhere, no matter where you work, or where you are in the corporate ladder. There is just no hiding from them. Well, you can take the other elevator or pretend to be on your phone when you meet them in the hallway, but hiding isn’t always an available option – especially if you work closely together. Unless you quit your job totally, you’re stuck with them.
If you do get into friction with these difficult people, there are ways to confront conflict with compassion.
But you can arm yourself with these 5 strategies on how to deal with difficult people to avoid conflict in the first place:
1. Be calm
Matching their hot temper with your own flare isn’t exactly the best way to get them to cooperate with you. A calm person is usually seen as someone in control, respectable, and centered. Showing these difficult people how you respond calmly to tense situations will get their attention.
2. Understand their intentions
No one is difficult just because they want to, even if it feels like their life purpose is to constantly get under your skin. Try to identify their personal triggers and how you can help them meet those needs and resolve the situation.
3. Seek perspective from others
Your friends, managers, and colleagues, have their own directory of experiences with difficult people. Seek out their opinions and perspectives so you will see things from different angles. They may offer you golden advice that can come in handy in the future.
4. Let the person know your intentions
Communicate with the other person your intentions behind your actions. Sometimes, they may perceive you as the difficult one. Let them in on your reasons and help them see the big picture so you can both be on the same page.
5. Build rapport
Do not forget to add the human touch in all your dealings with colleagues. Go out for team lunches. Get to know them as human beings. Learn about their hobbies, their struggles, their families. Build strong connections, and it will pay off in the long run.
Read the full article here by Business Insider for more strategies to dealing with difficult people at work.
ilonapulianauskaite says
Useful post Lisa?
Lisa Chan says
Thank you. Glad you find it helpful! ☺
Storm says
Very useful! I deal with a very difficult co-worker and at times I just want to scream at her. I will definitely be using these tips. Thank you for sharing! ?
Lisa Chan says
Thank you and good luck! ?