This new article will show you everything you need to know about how to deal with difficult people.
Some people at home, at school, or even at the workplace are difficult to deal with. But sometimes, you just can’t take them away of the picture because they will always be a part of the scenario. So instead spending the whole time in misery due to their presence, why not study the ways of dealing with them? Here is a thorough discussion of the ten recommended strategies to deal with people that are difficult.
How to Deal with Difficult People:
1: Do Not Take Things They Say or Do Personally
There are instances in which difficult people become too difficult to handle just because of who they really are. Their own personal circumstance made it difficult for them and this is not solely their fault. In order to save you a significant amount of energy, do not take anything they say or do personally. Most of the time, it is not about you. And it might help to think that this is the way they do it with everyone.
2: Do Not Make Declarative Sentences, Ask Questions Instead
What makes some people difficult to deal with is their being highly opinionated. Instead of seeing your opinions clash with theirs, why not simply ask them what they think about things? If you think they are wrong, instead of pointing it out, ask questions again to point out that their stand or belief is not that valid. Once you learn the art of asking questions, it will be a lot easier to talk with them without experiencing any painful clashes of opinions.
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3: Make Sure to Do Some Documenta on to Support Your Claims
The most effective way of documenting what such people say is by putting it into writing. With this, you can be sure that you have supporting evidence that such a person has said or done something which he or she is likely to deny. This documentation will make you gain more credibility. This will make the scenario far easier for you to handle.
4: Maintain Harmonious Relationship by Ensuring Communication and Understanding
By keeping the communication lines open, you will see a marked change in the way you perceive a difficult person. Such people are oftentimes having a difficulty in expressing their emotions. People who are difficult to deal with are those who are in dire need of affection and attention. Sad to say, being difficult to deal with is just their defense mechanism. Every single time you talk with him or her, make it a point to express that you do understand what he or she is saying. On top of that, you should also find a way to gauge if he or she understands your point completely.
5: Watch Your Words
No matter how much effort you exert, it is likely for you to experience fallout especially if the communication lines have failed. When such a thing happens, stay calm. Make sure to watch your language and be careful in expressing your emotions (1). It is important to explain the context of what you are saying. In the same way, be extra sensitive for the person you are dealing with.
6: Try to Express Your Thoughts in First Person Instead o Second Person
Use of pronouns in the second person point of view may be mistaken as an imperative, a command, or an order. So, if you wish to avoid such complications, you can always use the pronoun “I” so that you will not sound like somebody who is making an accusation. This way, you will avoid yielding negative reactions from the person who is difficult to talk to or work with.
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7: Hate the Actions, Not the Person
You should make it a point to clarify the demarcation line between the person and his or her actions. By doing so, you can readily eliminate the existing biases (2). This will definitely help you in pointing out the valid arguments that are coming from a person, no matter how difficult it is for you to deal with him or her. When the tables have turned, do not take the comments of the difficult colleague personally. Take every single word with a grain of salt. That way, you will be more comfortable in hearing criticisms from anyone.
8: Assert Your Ideas but Not to the Point of Being Despicable
You can always defend your ideas and your stand but you should do this within the given limits. Otherwise, you will be just another difficult person that should be dealt with due patience by other people. Do not allow that difficult person to take away the better part of you.
9: Try Stepping on His Shoes and See What Kinds o Difficulties He or She Has to Deal With
In any case, there is a pre-existing context. It is impossible for you to understand a person if you do not know exactly where he or she is coming from. Indeed, this will take a lot of effort but for sure, it will be worth it. When you have enough reason to understand, you will have one less difficult person to deal with.
10: Try to Express Your Sincere Concern and Appreciation
Most difficult people are not aware that they are difficult to deal with. However, the normal reaction is for people to veer away from them. This will not solve any problem. A person can be difficult to deal with but it does not mean that he or she will not say anything right at all times. When he or she says something good, make sure to show your appreciation. If you see that there is something bothering him or her, care to ask.
Nobody is too difficult to deal with for a person who cares to understand.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my article about how to deal with difficult people. I sincerely hope its contents have been a good help to you.
