How To Deal With Difficult People at Work: Expert Tips and Tricks

When Louis Armstrong said “What a wonderful world” - it resonated with us. However, what good sir missed was to mention certain people who are rather a tad bit difficult to deal with. This element has a lot to do with personal characterisations. Knowing How to Deal with Difficult People might solve a lot of problems in your workplace.   

Table of Contents 

1) Introduction to Difficult Behaviour 

2) Reasons Why are Some People Difficult at Work 

    a) Varied Perspectives 

    b) Personal Boundaries 

    c) Ethical Differences 

    d) Divergent Outlooks 

    e) Desire for Autonomy 

    f) High Levels of Stress 

    g) Triggering Incidents 

3) Tips to Deal with Difficult People at Work 

4) Conclusion 

Introduction to Difficult Behaviour 

Navigating workplace dynamics can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially when you encounter difficult personalities. Difficult people at work can disrupt harmony, lower morale, and affect productivity. Understanding and managing these interactions is essential for maintaining a positive and productive work environment.  

Every single person is dealing with their personal battles. At times, it truly gets difficult to bring about their professional face in the forefront. However, it gets difficult for the person in the receiving end too, if this behaviour persists over a long span. Therefore, it is suggested that people facing these issues work on themselves for a better overall functionality!
 

Reasons Why Some People Are Difficult at Work 

Empathy goes a long way when things go downhill. Understanding the underlying reasons why some individuals exhibit difficult behaviour can be the first step toward managing these interactions effectively. Here are several common reasons:
 

1)  Varied Perspectives 

Everyone brings a unique perspective to the workplace, influenced by their background, experiences, and values. These differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, making some individuals seem difficult to work with. 

2) Personal Boundaries 

Some people have different comfort levels regarding personal boundaries. A person who feels their boundaries are being encroached upon might react defensively or aggressively, making them appear difficult. 

3) Ethical Differences 

Ethical standards can vary greatly among individuals. Disagreements over what is considered right or wrong can lead to tension and make working relationships challenging. 

4) Divergent Outlooks 

Differing visions and approaches to work can cause friction. When team members have opposing views on how tasks should be completed, it can lead to conflicts and perceptions of difficult behaviour. 

5) Desire for Autonomy 

Some individuals have a strong desire for independence and control over their work. When this autonomy is threatened, they may become resistant or combative, creating a difficult work environment. 

6) High Levels of Stress 

Stress is a significant factor that can exacerbate difficult behaviour. People under pressure may have shorter tempers and reduced patience, making them harder to deal with. 

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7) Triggering Incidents 

Past experiences and specific triggers can influence behaviour. An incident that reminds someone of a negative past experience can cause them to react strongly, leading to difficult interactions. 

Tips to Deal with Difficult People at Work 

Dealing with difficult colleagues requires a mix of self-awareness, communication skills, and strategic approaches. Here are expert tips to help you navigate these challenging interactions: 

1) Reflect on Your Own Behaviour 

Before addressing someone else's difficult behaviour, reflect on your own actions and attitudes. Consider whether your behaviour might be contributing to the conflict and what you can do to improve the situation. 

2) Establish Boundaries 

Setting clear and respectful boundaries is crucial. Let your colleagues know what behaviours are acceptable and which are not. This can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce conflict. 

3) Maintain Calm and Professionalism 

Staying calm and composed is essential when dealing with difficult people. Reacting emotionally can escalate the situation. Maintain professionalism, even in the face of provocation. 

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4) Practice Active Listening 

Active listening involves fully concentrating on what the other person is saying, acknowledging their feelings, and responding thoughtfully. This approach can help defuse tension and show that you respect their perspective. 

5) Demonstrate Empathy 

Showing empathy means understanding and sharing the feelings of others. By putting yourself in their shoes, you can better appreciate their viewpoint and respond more compassionately. Techniques from Neuro-Linguistic Programming can further enhance your ability to empathize by improving your understanding of others' perspectives and refining your communication skills.  

6) Have Private Conversations 

Addressing issues in private can prevent embarrassment and defensiveness. Speak to the individual away from the public eye, where you can discuss the matter openly and honestly. 

7) Seek Compromise 

Finding a middle ground can often resolve conflicts. Be willing to negotiate and compromise, ensuring that both parties' needs are considered and met to some extent. 

8) Consult Your Supervisor 

If the situation does not improve, seek advice from a supervisor or manager. They can provide guidance, mediate the conflict, or take appropriate action to resolve the issue. 

9) Prioritise Self-Care 

Dealing with difficult people can be draining. Prioritise your well-being by engaging in activities that reduce stress and promote relaxation. This can help you maintain your composure and resilience. Additionally, incorporating NLP Training can provide you with strategies to handle challenging interactions more effectively and with less stress.  

10) Use Humour Appropriately 

Humour can be a powerful tool to lighten the mood and defuse tension. However, it must be used carefully to avoid offending or belittling the other person. Light-hearted jokes can ease the atmosphere and foster better interactions. 

11) Persistence in Practice 

Changing behaviour takes time and persistence. Continually apply these strategies, even if progress seems slow. Consistent effort can eventually lead to improved relationships. 

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12) Seek Support from Colleagues 

Lean on supportive colleagues for advice and encouragement. They can offer different perspectives and help you cope with the stress of dealing with difficult people. 

13) Minimise Interaction if Possible 

If possible, limit your interactions with difficult individuals. This doesn't mean avoiding them completely but reducing contact can help maintain your peace of mind and productivity. 

14) Evaluate Your Responses 

After interactions with difficult colleagues, take time to evaluate your responses. Consider what worked, what didn’t, and how you can improve in future encounters. 

Conclusion 

Knowing How to Deal with Difficult People at work is an inevitable part of professional life. However, it does not have to be a source of constant stress. By understanding the reasons behind their behaviour and applying these tips, you can navigate these challenging interactions more effectively. 

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