Dealing with difficult peopleSelf-evaluationDo you have problem dealing with difficult people? Is the person really ‘difficult’ to deal with? Or are you just overreacting? If it’s not you, then you can use these techniques for dealing with difficult people. Handling NaysayersThere is no one answer to this as different people are driven by different emotions and values. Some people get that boost of motivation when naysayers go against their goals, the “I’ll show you I can do it!” attitude will help them achieve their goals. On the other hand you have those who just get bogged down when other people try to ridicule their goals. So these methods are for those who are easily bogged down by naysayers.First, don’t even bother discussing your goals with naysayers, whatever they say is of no value to you. If they are constantly trying to pull you down, don’t take what they say personally. Also, don’t try to appease them and don’t even bother arguing with them. Negative comments can come in all sorts of form so be ready to handle these kind of people. They can use humor or be sarcastic with you and this can be demoralizing. Just remember don’t try to win that argument, it will not do you any good! Approach them if necessary and explain what you are experiencing, sometimes they might not know their words are affecting you. The worst case scenario is that the person doesn’t care, so try your best to be pleasant and come to solution on how to deal with this situation during that discussion. Handling Productivity sappersPeople- Yes, they are productivity sappers. Learn how to say ‘no’ and shut people out. I understand if it is hard to do so, but you have to. If you have written down your goals and action plan, then just stick to your plan.Persistent people are the hardest to deal with, never ever give in to those people; just be firm and repeat yourself. Try not to quibble, it will make the situation more difficult. Remember, be firm and say ‘no’ if the situation is not urgent! If this method fails, find out whether that difficult person is irritating other people, and rally those other people, and then discuss how you are going to deal with this person. Be careful in your approach, you don’t want to cause a heated argument with that person. This will only worsen the situation. Handling energy sappersEnergy sappers are those who just want your time, but do not have any intention to make friends or help you. It is just their ‘nature’ to interrupt you in their free time. You must learn how to handle these people well. If it is not a serious issue, you should not deal with them.When dealing with difficult people, you must be firm in your response. Don’t give inviting responses. This will only allow them to interrupt your work. Sometimes it may sound rude to get rid of energy sappers, but you need to let them understand that you need to finish up your work. For instance, when they interrupt you, just ask them “Can this be dealt with later?” Another scenario is when you really need a rest and a particular person keeps disturbing you; just let that person know that you need rest, you don’t have to force yourself to stay awake just to serve that particular person (unless it is urgent of course). If they have something important you can discuss the issue with them. But if they are just there to ‘pass their time’, you should just give a firm response. When they know you are not interested, they will move away. There is nothing wrong with dealing with your most important issues first. Don’t be too harsh in your response, if not you might be labeled ‘anti-social’ . You can set aside time to socialize, but work is work. You should address the situation and not run away form it. Dealing with difficult people or other difficult situations is important because if it's left readdressed, more problems will arise. If you bottle up your anger and emotions at one person, the situation may just 'explode' one day because of your simmering feud with that particular person.
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