How To Work With Difficult People
We all try to get on with others but occasionally this just isn’t possible. For whatever reason we encounter difficult people. Working with difficult people can be challenging, but it's a common situation in both professional and personal settings. Here are some strategies to help you navigate such situations effectively:
Stay Calm and Composed: When dealing with difficult individuals, it's essential to remain composed and not let their behaviour affect your emotions. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and try not to react impulsively.
Empathise and Understand: Try to understand the underlying reasons for their difficult behaviour. Perhaps they are going through a tough time or facing challenges that you are unaware of. Showing empathy can help build a bridge of understanding.
Communicate Effectively: Open and honest communication is vital. Clearly express your concerns and feelings without being confrontational or defensive. Be a good listener and validate their perspective, even if you don't agree with it.
Set Boundaries: It's crucial to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Make it clear what behaviours are unacceptable, and let them know the consequences if those boundaries are crossed.
Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on the difficult person's behaviour, focus on finding solutions to the issues at hand. Be solution-oriented and collaborate on ways to move forward positively.
Avoid Escalation: Try to avoid escalating conflicts or engaging in unnecessary arguments. Disengage from unproductive discussions, and don't let the situation get out of control.
Seek Support: If you find it difficult to handle the person on your own, seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors. Sometimes an outsider's perspective can be helpful in resolving conflicts.
Practice Patience: Dealing with difficult people can be frustrating, but practicing patience is crucial. Change might not happen overnight, and it might take time to build a more constructive relationship.
Find Common Ground: Look for areas where you share common interests or goals. Building on these shared aspects can help improve your working relationship.
Learn from the Experience: Difficult people can also be valuable teachers. Reflect on the experience and consider what you can learn from it to grow personally and professionally.
Know When to Seek Help: In some cases, the situation may be too difficult to handle on your own. If the person's behaviour becomes abusive, or if it seriously affects your well-being, don't hesitate to seek help from HR, a supervisor, or an appropriate authority.
Remember that everyone has their struggles and challenges, and responding to difficult people with understanding and compassion can often lead to positive outcomes. Additionally, focus on maintaining your own well-being and mental health while dealing with such situations.