Top 5 Things NOT To Do When Dealing With Difficult People

*(The underlined words are defined below the article.)

Everybody has had to deal with difficult people at one point or another. At a meeting, a store, gas station, lobby, work, and even home. It is uncomfortable, and we just want it to end. Most of us want to keep the peace and end on good terms. Despite our good intentions, often we make the situation worse by the things we do or say. Body language is just as important as words when communicating effectively. So please, Do NOT do these!!!

#1 Smile Big

The difficult person is not happy, and if you are smiling (whether or not your intention is good), it looks like you are mocking them.   

#2 Say, "I understand" when it is not sincere

Fake will always sound fake, so saying "I understand" will escalate the situation, and they may even become angrier. 

#3 Speak louder than them.

Perhaps you want these people to stop, but raising your voice adds more fuel to the fire.

#4 Say, "you are unreasonable"

If the goal is to defuse the situation, you just made it worse. Whatever they need at this time is not being met. This phrase just makes them feel more vulnerable and judged.

#5 Think that it is over once the problematic situation ends

Once the difficult people leave, you must process the information; remember, you had to keep your calm, even though you were in a very uncomfortable position. Don't let these emotions be on you the rest of the day.

These little tricks will help whenever you are in a situation with difficult people, mainly number 5. Include them in your repertoire for next time.   For more ways to deal with difficult people, check out this workshop: WHAT TO SAY WHEN DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE on Wednesday, March 24, at 7pm Panama 6pm Mexico.

For a vocabulary refresher:

To deal: to be concerned with, to have to do with.

On good terms: being friendly with someone.

Despite: Instead.

Whether: used to introduce two or more alternatives.

Mocking: to make fun of, ridicule.

Escalate the situation: to increase the intensity or magnitude of a situation.

Raising: incrementing

Add more fuel to the fire: to increase the volatile nature of a situation or event.

Defuse: Reduce anger or tension in a difficult situation.

Unreasonable: a person that is not using logic or reason.

Judged: feeling of being criticized .

On you: (idiom) it is your responsibility.

Whenever: at any time.

Repertoire: skills that a person has or needs.