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What are your strategies for dealing with difficult people?

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Question added by Nuha Ali , writer , freelance
Date Posted: 2014/09/06
Divyesh Patel
by Divyesh Patel , Assistant Professional Officer- Treasury , City Of Cape Town

We have all met people who are so prickly and difficult that no one wants to handle them. In most situations walking away is an option, and you escape with no more than ruffled feathers.

 

  1. Figure out what they want and what is driving them

  2. Figure out exactly how they want to be treated

  3. Always stand up for yourself

  4. Always speak with a tone of respect

  5. Listen with Empathy

  6. Focus on the Problem, Not the Person

  7. Use Conflict as a Resource

  8. Direct communication

  9. Be patience

Shagufta Zafar
by Shagufta Zafar , Principal , Allied School

NOT A ROCKET SCIENCE =======  MAN MANAGEMENT ,,,,,, TREAT THEM AS THEY DESERVE TO BE TREATED,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, EVERY ONE IS DIFFICULT IN HIS/HER NATURE ,,,, IT IS NOT OUR DUTY TO MAKE THEM CORRECT, JUST DEAL THEM APPROPRIATLY AND MOVE ON..

1. putting myself into a customer service mindset.

2. listening actively  to what my customer is saying

3. Repeating the problem to show the customer I was listening

4.      Find the root of the problem

5. make sure that my body language also communicates this understanding and empathy.

6.Present a Solution

7.take action immediately and Explain every step that I’m going to take to fix the problem to my client

8. Use the Feedback to reduce the risk of the situation happening again

Abdul Rehman Zaheer
by Abdul Rehman Zaheer , Marketing & Projects Specialist , King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

  • We should try to deal with them with a positive Attitude.
  • Be friendly, smile within professional limits but keep your distance.
  • Listen to them carefully, however do not go overboard and turn yourself into their private shoutbox, that will only make things worse.
  • Try to help them wherever possible, let them know your there for professional support.
  • If they seem out of control, then distance yourself and keep minimal professional contact, try not to get meshed up in their drama.
  • Let them know that they are your teamates and you both should work together for achieving common goals which will provide mutual benefit.
  • If they're explosive in nature then try to defuse their anger using professional reasoning. However don't overdo it. You're not their nanny or their therapist.

 

Motaz Farah
by Motaz Farah , General and production manager , Digital color for gifts and services

Difficult People are2 types

1st type... Who have the Knowledge and solutions....They are good...I have to be polite with them and listening to them carefully. 

 

2nd type... who Knew Nothing and they are difficult by following the rules .... I just follow 

the rules much Perfectly than Them. (this made them eazy people)

Sandeep Swarnakar
by Sandeep Swarnakar , Lead Consultant , Synergy Software Systems, Dubai –U.A.E.

Take it easy to deal with difficult people.  Ultimately they are just humans with senses.  When you are interating with them always be polite and gentle, even if they are rude to you and not listening to you. 

Don't forget to communicate and take the conversation in writing.  Whatever you understood, just communicate them gently, whatever you wanted to communicate them, just drop an email and ask them to confirm, even if they are not ready to listen you  or not are replying, you just do your job..thats it... Ultimately you will win the battle...Thats my simple working strategy from years now.. :)

Binod Timsina
by Binod Timsina , Human Resources Business Partner , CG Corp Global │ Chaudhary Group

Raise something your coworker has done well. Identify the specific actions that you found admirable.

Say thank you. Show your appreciation for their hard work and contributions. And, don't forget to say please often as well. Social niceties do belong at work. A more gracious, polite workplace is appreciated by all.

Ask your coworkers about their family, their hobby, their weekend or a special event they attended. Your genuine interest - as opposed to being nosey – causes people to feel valued and cared about.

Offer staff members flexible scheduling for the holidays, if feasible. If work coverage is critical, post a calendar so people can balance their time off with that of their coworkers.

Know your coworker’s interests well enough to present a small gift occasionally. An appreciated gift, and the gesture of providing it, will light up your coworker’s day.

 If you can afford to, give staff money. End of the year bonuses, attendance bonuses, quarterly bonuses and gift certificates say "thank you" quite nicely.

Almost everyone appreciates food. Take coworkers or staff to lunch for a birthday, a special occasion or for no reason at all. Let your guest pick the restaurant.

Create a fun tradition for a seasonal holiday.

VENKITARAMAN KRISHNA MOORTHY VRINDAVAN
by VENKITARAMAN KRISHNA MOORTHY VRINDAVAN , Project Execution Manager & Accounts Manager , ALI INTERNATIONAL TRADING EST.

With difficult/tough (at work) people one get excellent chance to exibhit the inherited talents.  Working with them means your efficiency as well as practical experience scales to new peaks and prepare yourselves to overcome difficult situations.

Nadeem Khan
by Nadeem Khan , Business Unit Manager , Almajdouie de Rijke Logistics - Diployed at Sadara Chemical Complex

Listen carefully reply with intelligently

Zafar Ayub
by Zafar Ayub , Manager IT , IMGC Global

Difficult key staff is always being difficult and if project manager may involve handling these guys it’s much take risk in project. As my practice as project head during project I’m follow their task sheet and investigate at each milestone and afterward verification of each steps continue next process neither spear extra room / time for these guys. By this approach project is pack otherwise if any extra room / time will available for these guys will make project risk.

Anees Abdul Lathief
by Anees Abdul Lathief , Electronics Support Engineer , United Matbouli Group

 

1. Confront them with a Smile.

2. Don't engage in unnecessary talks with them (Talk limited with a smile)

3. Make yourself busy after the talk and calmly escape from the conversation.

 

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