Overcoming Difficultiesquickguides

In order to overcome problems that you encounter when dealing with difficult people, adopt a strategy plan as follows:

  • Identify the type of difficult person you are dealing with.
  • Identify their worst habits and what bothers you the most.
  • Mentally rehearse the strategy to apply next time the situation arises. Perhaps you could think back to the last occasion and mentally replay the action, identifying how you should have coped. Practice the statements, even speaking out loud, to get the right tone of voice.
  • Apply the skills you have rehearsed in a real situation. As soon as you recognise a situation similar to the one you have rehearsed, put your action plan in motion.
  • Evaluate how effective your approach was. Were you successful in handling the situation? Did your confidence level stay high, or did you get angry or flustered? Then practice again until you become more competent and confident.
  • Accept with good grace the fact that sometimes people will not agree with your point of view.
  • Don't forget to take a look at yourself because we all behave disagreeably from time to time.
  • If you recognise any of these characteristics in yourself, don't be surprised if you are met with these tactics and don't be surprised if you suddenly feel embarrassed and foolish.
  • Remember that a meeting cannot be considered a success unless you have achieved your outcome without unduly upsetting the other participants. The best meetings are those from which everybody goes away happy.

Source: runningsports - Quick Guides - How to communicate effectively