Tips on Dealing with Difficult People

This month we have different tips on dealing with difficult people: 1. Separate Behaviour from Identity. Keep any problems focused upon what people did rather than what kind of person they are. 2. Match their perspective explaining how they make a valid point and then use AND to put across your side of the issues. 3. Reinforce their good behaviour with positive compliments, comments or behaviours.  4. Link in your ideas with theirs. Always make it seem like they are coming up with the ideas themselves. 5. Stay calm in the face of aggression. Only tolerate what's absolutely necessary. Keep focused on the goal of the communication at all times. Confront them when necessary, remaining firm, strong and patient. 6. Subtly label the other person as a particular kind of person that you know they will appreciate and then link your idea in:  "Because you are a thoughtful kind of person, you will appreciate that....."