How to Deal with a Difficult Person

Whether we like it or not, difficult people are a reality. They won’t yield for anyone or anything. They can be unreasonable. They complain and complain and complain. You do not want to be around them, but they are everywhere.

Many times they have become apathetic about life. They probably used to care but got to a point where they couldn’t see a reason to care any more. You cannot change a person, but you can help them change. Slowly begin to ask questions to find out what happened to cause them to no longer care.

Many times they have a bad attitude, and that requires a softer touch. You do not need to roll over automatically even if they bark the loudest. Only go along with what they push if it is the right thing, and let them (gently) know that the direction is the right thing (not their attitude).

If you are dealing with a difficult person, you need to have options. Ask questions to find out why they think that something is wrong or bad, and then offer an alternate solution. If they go against any suggestion made, ask them to provide an alternative.

But what about when the difficult person is the boss? It could be personal issues that lead to the difficult attitude, so ask about it (gently). If they can acknowledge the root, you can help them deal with it. However, if the boss is simply difficult, you may need to look at what is best for your health.

Basically, you have to get to the root of the issue behind a difficult person. The situation will not change until they deal with why they are acting like they are. It is not easy, but you must watch your own health in the process.

Check out the following resource for more ideas. Click the picture to find out more…