Deal with Dificult People

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Ag Program HR

Objectives
At the end of this session you should: • Understand how difficult employees can cause conflict • Be able to identify at least 6 types of difficult people • Know 5 things to do when dealing with difficult people

Overview
• Difficult people and conflict • 12 types of difficult people • Additional Helpful Hints

1

Difficult People and Conflict
• Can be anyone – even YOU! • Difficult because it works for them • Dealing with them can cause conflict

Difficult People and Conflict (cont)
• Conflict can result in a charged work environment • Difficult behavior causes stress in others • Conflict can reduce an organizations effectiveness

The Bulldozer
• Know it all • Often use threats, sarcasm, intimidation

2

Dealing with Dozers
• • • • Prepare yourself Ask questions Focus on solution Do not confront them

Bullies
• Loud and hostile • Abusive • Overwhelm you

Battling Bullies
• • • • • Let them run down Get their attention State your point non-aggressively Don’t allow interruptions Ask them to leave

3

Fire Hose
• • • • Dampen Enthusiasm Everything will fail Negative statements Constantly complaining

Drain the Fire Hose
• • • • • • Don’t be dragged down Don’t argue Listen – then ask for alternatives Don’t agree or apologize Switch to problem solving Take action on your own

Stallers/Wafflers
• • • • Reluctant to turn down requests Want to be liked Afraid or unable to manage Paralyzed by tough decisions

4

Sideline the Stallers
• • • • • Surface hidden concerns Help them resolve the problem You make the decision – with caution Support decisions Keep control of situation

Silent Types
• • • • Silent/unresponsive Answer with a grunt Turn away from people Pretend nothing happened

Open the Silent Ones
• • • • • Meet with them individually Give them time to open up Ask open-ended questions Wait for a response If no comments – comment on what’s happening

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