How to work with difficult people
Important announcements at the end of this article!
Happy new week folks. Today I want to talk to you about working effectively with difficult people. Last year, I wrote about How To Love Difficult People, but this one is slightly different. As well as loving them, in your pursuit of excellence, you will most likely come in contact with people you don’t really get along with.
How do you get the most out of that relationship?
Are you hungry for growth?
Before you start reading this article, it’s important you ask yourself the question, are you really hungry for growth? It’s easy to say “well maybe the person shouldn’t be difficult in the first place” This is true, but not the point of this article. I’m writing to people who want to thrive, irrespective of the social situation they find themselves in.
Well, first you have to commit to learning about how you can make the most of this relationship. In today’s culture, it’s very easy to find ways to avoid people that stress us, to ignore them or to just find a way around the issue. The harsh truth is, growth never happens when we go around something, we have to go through it. You have to make a concerted effort to attempt and attempt again to make it work.
In today's workplace, it is inevitable that you will encounter difficult people. These are individuals who are challenging to work with, whether they are overly critical, stubborn, rude, or simply uncooperative. Working with difficult people can be frustrating and stressful, but it is essential to learn how to work effectively with them to achieve your goals and maintain a positive work environment. In this article, we will explore some tips on how to work effectively with difficult people.
1. Stay calm and composed
One of the most crucial things you can do when dealing with a difficult person is to remain calm and composed. It is easy to become emotional and frustrated when working with someone who is challenging, but this will only exacerbate the situation. Instead, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Remember that the other person's behaviour is not a reflection of you, but rather their own issues and challenges. Try to take things seriously but never personally. Always know that you make your best decisions when you are calm and composed.
2. Be proactive
Being proactive means taking steps to prevent problems before they arise. If you know you will be working with someone difficult, take the time to prepare. Think about potential challenges and how you can address them. Consider what you can do to make the other person more comfortable or more willing to work with you. By being proactive, you can avoid some of the problems that arise when working with difficult people.
3. Listen actively
Active listening is an essential skill when working with difficult people. It involves focusing on the speaker, asking questions, and repeating what they have said to ensure you understand them correctly. Active listening shows the other person that you value their perspective and are willing to work with them to find a solution. When you listen actively, you may discover that the other person is not as difficult as you first thought.
4. Focus on solutions, not problems
When working with difficult people, it is easy to get bogged down in problems. Instead, focus on solutions. Be creative and try to find a way to meet both your needs and the other person's needs. Remember that compromise is often necessary when working with difficult people, and finding a solution that works for both parties can be beneficial in the long run.
5. Be assertive, not aggressive
Assertiveness is an important skill when working with difficult people. It involves expressing your needs and boundaries in a clear and respectful way. Being assertive does not mean being aggressive, however. It is essential to find a balance between being assertive and being aggressive. If you are too aggressive, you may make the situation worse. If you are not assertive enough, the other person may not take you seriously.
6. Build rapport
Building rapport involves creating a connection with the other person. It can be as simple as finding common ground or sharing a personal story. Building rapport can help break down barriers and create a more positive working relationship. It is important to remember that building rapport takes time and effort, but it can be well worth it in the long run.
7. Set boundaries
Setting boundaries is an important part of working with difficult people. It involves establishing what is and is not acceptable behavior. If the other person is crossing a boundary, it is important to let them know in a respectful way. Setting boundaries can help you maintain control of the situation and prevent the other person from taking advantage of you.
8. Seek support
Working with difficult people can be challenging and stressful. It is important to seek support when you need it. This can include talking to a colleague or supervisor, seeking advice from a mentor, or seeking the help of a professional. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you manage difficult situations.
In conclusion, working with difficult people is an inevitable part of the workplace. You cannot avoid it. In fact, I have found, the more senior the people i work with are, the more difficult they tend to be.
It is also important to remember that difficult behaviour is often a reflection of the other person's issues and not yours.
Have any amazing week
1. I’m running a Marathon
I will be joining the starting line at the London Marathon raising money for NSPCC. It’s a charity working to prevent the abuse of children and to help children that are abused rebuild their lives. We need to do whatever can to support children that encounter abuse in the early stages of their life.
I’m trying to raise £2,200 to support their work but also stretch me in the process. Would you donate to my fundraiser?
2. Public Speaking Masterclass
Later this week, I will launch the 2nd #SelfAuthroing Masterclass of the year and this one will be all about Public Speaking. I’ve been giving speeches for over 15 years and so I’m hoping to delve into my experience and the literature to help around 40 people in person through this topic. We will look at speeches but also panels and speaking in an office setting! Keep an eye out for the announce
3. Calling All Content Creators
Over March and April, 10 projects will be able to book 10 hours at our studio Common Sense Studio for only £300. Our aim is to amplify the voices of diverse creators and young people in London!