Dealing with Difficult People Joanne Ward Learning and Performance Improvement

Dealing with Difficult People Questions: Do you know any difficult people? More than one? Is the person sitting beside you a difficult person? Are you a difficult person?

Dealing with Difficult People Insights and Tools: Understanding Conflict 5 Characteristics of Difficult People 4 Pitfalls to Avoid in Dealing with Difficult People Video 5 Steps to Stop Difficult Behavior

Understanding Conflict Barrier to Synergy - Conflict Definition: A difference in opinion or purpose that frustrates someone's goals or desires. 4 Primary Causes of Conflict: Misunderstandings resulting from poor communication Differences in values, goals, gifts, calling, priorities, expectations, interests, or opinions Competition over limited resources (perceived or real) Aggravated attitudes and habits that lead to hurtful words and actions Reality: All relationships bring disorder and unpredictability. Source: The Peace Maker, Ken Sande, 2004

Different Conflict Mindsets: Conflict is a hazard that threatens to sweep me off my feet and leave me bruised and hurting. Conflict is an obstacle that should be conquered quickly and firmly. Conflict is an opportunity to solve common problems in a way that benefits all those involved. Source: The Peace Maker, Ken Sande, 2004

Your Mindset Determines Your Response: Responses to Conflict Your Mindset Determines Your Response: 1. Conflict is a hazard Response = Escape – more interest in avoiding the conflict than in resolving it. All conflict is wrong or dangerous and threatening. 2. Conflict is an obstacle Response = Attack – more interest in winning a conflict than in preserving a relationship. Conflict is a contest or a chance to assert rights, control others, or take advantage of the situation. Source: The Peace Maker, Ken Sande, 2004

Your Mindset Determines Your Response: Responses to Conflict Your Mindset Determines Your Response: 3. Conflict is an opportunity Response = Reconcile/Resolve – directed toward finding just and mutually agreeable solutions to conflict. Focus is on "us" – working toward mutual responsibility in solving the problem. Source: The Peace Maker, Ken Sande, 2004

Dealing with Difficult People 5 Characteristics of Difficult People: # 1. Predictable/abrasive style of behavior # 2. Nearly everyone finds them difficult

Dealing with Difficult People 5 Characteristics of Difficult People: #3. They avoid blame and responsibility See the world differently than we do Do not believe problems can be resolved Have not learned healthy problem solving procedure, learned to blame others.

Dealing with Difficult People 5 Characteristics of Difficult People: #4. They are robbers of your time and energy. 10% (difficult people) take up to 40-60% of management’s time. # 5. Behavior out of proportion to problem. “Most toxic people are blaming, complaining or draining” Jonathon Ellerby, Ph.D.

“Pitfalls to Avoid in Dealing with Difficult People” Dr. Ben Bissell Video: “Pitfalls to Avoid in Dealing with Difficult People” 4 Pitfalls to Avoid

Dealing with Difficult People 4 Pitfalls in dealing with Difficult People Do not excuse people’s behavior Do not ignore behavior Do not believe you can change these people Change their behavior, not their personality You and I teach people how to treat us Do not collude - cooperate with difficult persons so they end up succeeding. Difficult people either lean in or out and want you to do the same.

Dealing with Difficult People 5 Steps to Stopping Difficult Behavior #1. Must stand up “I am here to be taken seriously” #2. Talk straight (7% words/38% tone/55% body language) #3. Listen to them. #4. Avoid Triangling. #5. Move to problem solving.

Dealing with Difficult People Resolving Conflict One-to-One Dealing with Difficult People 1. Determine Involvement “Is behavior or issue worth my time & effort to deal with?” 2. PAUSE! Understand the Other Person Source: Bad Apples video

Hitting the Pause Button Remember - Difficult people make you think backwards! “Brain scientists have identified how such people do it: by subverting the way your brain makes decision. Strong emotions actually short-circuit the brain’s rational thought processes.” Mark Goulston , M.D. author of Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone

Dealing with Difficult People 3. Influence Behavior Communicate how their behavior affects you (and others if appropriate) and the business. 1. Determine Involvement “Is behavior or issue worth my time & effort to deal with?” 2. PAUSE! Understand the Other Person Source: Bad Apples video

Dealing with Difficult People Plan your words Choose words that indicate that you do not want to continue the battle, but sincerely seeking positive dialogue. Define the issue as narrow as possible. Be specific. Focus. Identify words or topics that should be avoided. Would offend or only make matters worse. Avoid "you always", "you never", "every time". What words best describe your feelings? (concerned, frustrated, confused, disappointed, hurt, etc) How the problem is impacting you. Use "I" statements: "When You _____, I Feel _____. As a result_____." Offer your suggestions for solving the issue. 3. Influence Behavior Communicate how their behavior affects you (and others if appropriate) and the business. Source: Bad Apples video and The Peace Maker, Ken Sande, 2004

Dealing with Difficult People 3. Influence Behavior Communicate how their behavior affects you (and others if appropriate) and the business. 1. Determine Involvement “Is behavior or issue worth my time & effort to deal with?” 2. PAUSE! Understand the Other Person 4. Resolve the Problem Define expectations. Discuss and agree on best solution. 5. Recover & Move On Regain positive attitude about person and situation. Source: Bad Apples video

Summary On any given day, all of us can be difficult! Chose your battles. Pause before reacting. Understand your natural response to conflict. Listen and give respect. Understand their viewpoint. Recover and move on.

Thank You!