By Patrick Cahillane – Life, Executive & Business Coach with One Source International Coaching and Training & Founder of The One Source Personal Development Network
Dealing with difficult people is something that we all have to do at some point in our lives, whether it be in the workplace, in our personal relationships, or in our day-to-day interactions. These difficult people can range from co-workers who refuse to collaborate on a project to family members who constantly criticize and belittle us. However, the key to managing these difficult people is to stay in control of our emotions.
It can be easy to become frustrated, angry, or upset when dealing with difficult people. However, allowing our emotions to take over can lead to unproductive and potentially harmful outcomes. For example, if we become angry with a co-worker, we may say something we later regret or damage our working relationship. Therefore, it is important to take steps to stay in control of our emotions when dealing with difficult people.
Here are some tips to help you stay in control of your emotions when dealing with difficult people:
- Remain Calm: This can be easier said than done, but it’s essential to remain calm when dealing with difficult people. Take a few deep breaths before responding to their behavior, and try to keep your voice and body language calm and neutral.
- Empathize: Try to see the situation from the other person’s point of view. This can help you understand where they are coming from and why they may be behaving in a difficult way. Empathizing doesn’t mean that you have to agree with their behavior, but it can help you respond in a more compassionate way.
- Set Boundaries: If someone’s behavior is causing you distress, it’s important to set boundaries. Let them know what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not. For example, if a family member is constantly criticizing you, let them know that you won’t tolerate that behavior and that you need them to stop.
- Focus on Solutions: When dealing with difficult people, it’s important to focus on solutions rather than getting bogged down in the problem. Try to find ways to work together to resolve the issue at hand. This can help shift the focus away from the difficult person’s behavior and onto a productive outcome.
- Take a Break: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or upset, take a break. Go for a walk, practice some deep breathing, or engage in another activity that helps you relax. Taking a break can help you regain your composure and approach the situation with a clear mind.
Always remember, dealing with difficult people can be a challenge, but it’s important to stay in control of our emotions when doing so. By remaining calm, empathizing, setting boundaries, focusing on solutions, and taking breaks when needed, we can effectively manage difficult people and maintain our own emotional well-being.