Tips for Dealing with Difficult People in Business

Anyone who has been in business for any length of time understands that dealing with difficult people comes along with the territory. Whether it may be a co-worker, a boss, or a customer, challenges come up every now and again. The important thing to learn is the best way to deal with these challenges and coming out on top while also not stressing yourself out.

A recent MarketingMag.com.au article highlighted 6 tips for dealing with difficult people. Most of them involve your own attitude, because in the end, when you are in control, you drive the results. Since there is always bound to be some level of conflict at some point, it is a good idea to read about these ideas and formulate an attitude and a personal plan of your own. Here are the 6 tips:

  1. Consider Your Own Contribution: This is perhaps the hardest part to recognize, but in some cases, you may be contributing to the problem. Self-awareness is important in dealing with others. I was once at a seminar about working together with others and will never forget this saying: If Susie has a problem with John, and Mike has a problem with John, and Dave has a problem with John, then John is likely the problem.
  2. Change Your Reactions: The quote from Einstein definitely applies here, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly but expecting a different result.” This applies to business is many different aspects. For our purposes today, it applies in asking yourself how you can change your approach and your way of doing things to get a different result.
  3. Apologise: Apologies will go far, even if you are not the one in the wrong. In some cases, it is just a matter of being polite, in other cases; your apology might indicate to the other person that they are in fact the one in the wrong. If however, you were in the wrong, make sure your apology is genuine and in person, if possible.
  4. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Attitude is everything. Your positive attitude can affect the outcome of situations and change them to the positive. If someone else is trying to be difficult with you, a positive attitude and not letting them see that they are getting to you will end the confrontational behaviour.
  5. Show Appreciation:  Not feeling appreciated is probably one of the drivers of confrontational situations among co-workers. Make sure that you show appreciation for assistance, for a customer’s business, or just for the opportunity to work with or for someone.
  6. Be Realistic: Creating realistic expectations, realistic situations, and realistic solutions will make you appreciated. It also avoids problems if unrealistic or unachievable goals are not met.

Leave a Reply