Successfully dealing with difficult people at work may require you to accept some truths. It’s hard to change someone’s hardwired behavior, even if you are their superior. But a slightly different approach, a change in mindset, may help you get the job done.
Learn this special technique in the latest episode of our ongoing productivity at work series.
What Productivity Questions Does This Video Answer?
- What’s the best way for dealing with difficult people?
- How can I improve bad behavior at work?
- Why are some people mean at work?
Video Transcript for Dealing with Difficult People
Here’s a strategy for dealing with difficult people. Unfortunately there will always be difficult people you have to work with. So how do you deal with difficult people?
Sometimes I think this involves a shift in your mindset. Because you can’t control another person, this person may be a superior to you, so you can’t necessarily tell them that they’re driving you crazy.
But they may be looking at you for a reaction. That may be something that they frankly enjoy. So how do you kind of protect yourself from becoming irritated? And maybe not give them the satisfaction for being a difficult person.
I think it’s good to think about if you are being very charitable toward someone. Let’s say it was someone’s first day on the job. You would be very helpful to them. You would be understanding of mistakes. You would tolerate a lot.
The same thing might apply if someone was really nice but they just weren’t that good at the job. You would make accommodations for them.
Do the same mental exercise with that difficult person. In your mind, make allowances for them, as if it was their first day or they just weren’t very good at the job. Obviously, this won’t address the hostility but you’re not letting it affect you so much. Instead, you’re being generous to that other person. You’re not letting it bug you so much.
And more importantly you’re not letting that difficult person enjoy being difficult. Give it a try.
About Ken Okel
As a motivational speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit his video page.
About This Video Series
Ken Okel’s ongoing Employee Productivity video series will make you more effective on the job. Every week, you’ll learn a new, easy to understand tip that you can use right away.
Got a productivity problem? Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming episode.
