During #mentalhealthawarenessweek we are talking about all things resilience, stress management and mental health awareness. But we are also honing in on the stressors at work which for one client, is difficult people! When you are already stressed at work, it can be hard to stay calm and in control when unreasonable clients or colleagues are bombarding your already stressed brain. So, here are a few tips from a workshop we are running this week on the topic:-
Dealing with difficult people at work requires a mix of tact, assertiveness, and diplomacy.
📢 Stay Calm and Professional: Keep your emotions in check and respond calmly and professionally, even if the other person’s behavior is frustrating.
Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your boundaries and expectations regarding communication and behavior. Let them know what is acceptable and what is not.
📢 Active Listening: Listen attentively to their concerns and viewpoints without interrupting. Sometimes, people become assertive because they feel unheard or misunderstood.
📢Empathize: Try to understand the underlying reasons for their behavior. They might be under stress, facing pressure from their own superiors, or dealing with personal issues.
📢Clarify Expectations: Clearly communicate expectations regarding roles, responsibilities, and deliverables. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts in the future.
📢Assertiveness: Be assertive in expressing your own thoughts, opinions, and boundaries. However, do so respectfully and without escalating the situation.
📢Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on the problem or getting caught up in arguments, focus on finding solutions that address everyone’s needs and concerns.
📢Document Everything: Keep a record of all interactions, including emails, meetings, and phone calls. This documentation can be valuable if you need to escalate the issue or defend yourself later on.
📢Seek Support: If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, seek support from your manager, HR department, or other relevant stakeholders within your organization.
📢Know When to Walk Away: Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not be able to reach a resolution with a particularly difficult colleague or client. In such cases, it’s okay to disengage and focus your energy elsewhere.
📢Self-Care: Dealing with unreasonable or overly assertive individuals can be emotionally draining. Make sure to prioritize self-care and seek support from friends, family, or a professional if needed.