Communicating With Difficult People
Communicating with difficult people from time to time… is something you cannot escape. Whether at work, home, or even the local coffee shop, they are here to stay.
Ignoring them may seem easier…but, there are instances where you do not have that option. You have no choice other than to communicate with them. During those times, certain strategies can help you win over even the most trying individuals.
Try these simple strategies for turning those lions into lambs :
Start by giving them the benefit of the doubt. They may simply be having a bad day, or dealing with personal issues. Try to diffuse the situation by asking if something is bothering them. It shows that you care about what is happening in their lives.
Be nice/kill them with kindness. The thrill is quickly gone for the difficult person when you remain calm. They will either move on or converse on a more positive level.
Focus on positive aspects of the situation/person. Most people, no matter how trying they may seem, have at least a few positive aspects. Try focusing on those… it will make tolerating their bad attitudes a lot easier.
Don't point fingers. It is certainly easy to blame a bad situation on a difficult person. But, it is better to hold an attitude that neither person is entirely to blame.
Focus on the humor of the situation. Tough situations may not seem the least bit funny at that moment. However, look for some little humor… no matter how awkward that might seem.
Focus on what can be fixed. While it may seem that there is nothing that can be remedied when communicating with difficult people, there are often details that can be fixed. That, in turn can minimize the larger problem at hand.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are having issues with a family member, romantic partner, or co-worker and can't seem to resolve them on your own, try asking for help. A friend might have experienced similar situations. They may be able to offer a fresh perspective for handling the situation.
The reality is, there are always going to be those that rub us the wrong way. We simply have a difficult time getting along with them. Try implementing some of these simple strategies. You just may realize that communicating with difficult people is not difficult all.
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