Work With Difficult People
By Melinda Howard Erickson
"All adverse and depressing influences can be overcome, not
by fighting, but by rising above them."
Charles Caleb Colton
Working with difficult people or people who are naturally "disagreeable" is one of the most challenging things you can face on the job – or in any other part of your life. Sometimes it helps to as yourself what is motivation the person to be so unpleasant. Understanding their motivation is critical to your success in dealing with difficult people, whether they are co-workers or the general public. The more information you have about the people you're dealing with the better.
Developing good people skills is essential. The difficult people you encounter aren't likely to change their behavior. Take it upon yourself to make an adjustment, and don't take it personally. And watch how difficult people interact with others. Chances are it has nothing to do with you.
Difficult people are usually unhappy and may want you to be unhappy, too. If someone's actions interfere with your ability to perform your job – by teasing or being uncooperative or condescending – try to confront him or her as tactfully as you can. Your employer appreciates some effort on your part to take the initiative to try to work it out. Once you have demonstrated your attempt to do so, your employer will be more inclined to intervene.
Every job involves dealing with other people in some way. What are your best resources for dealing with people who are difficult? What skills can you develop? Your ability to work with difficult people will earn you respect and appreciation from your employer and co-workers.
