In business, we sometimes have to deal with difficult people. Sometimes others just have a different perspective from us, other times they may just be hard headed, and making them see your point would cause a lot of stress.
Stress can have a lasting, negative impact on an individual’s brain. Frequent exposure to stress compromises the ability of an individual to perform well.
To deal with difficult people, you need to master certain strategies. You should always keep in mind that you don’t want to be defeated by these people. One very important thing to remember is that you have more control than you realize.
1. Distance yourself.
Difficult people often complain about many things. They want things to happen without having a full understanding of the repercussions of their decisions. When they just blurt out their disappointments, they often want others to join in their “pity club” that can slowly pull you into that “negative portal”.
2. Never respond to their emotional chaos.
These people can drive you crazy with all the blabbering and irrationality. Instead of wallowing in their issues, only respond to the facts. Offering them a hand in finding a solution may not be always a welcome thought for them. If there are any signs of aggression from these people, walk out of the room immediately.
3. Don’t let them be your puppet master.
These people would try to manipulate you, just so they can get what they want even if their suggestions may obviously be unacceptable. If you feel that your business partner has become mentally derailed, it’s better to just smile and carefully let yourself out of sight.
4. Set boundaries.
You may be working on a project with others where you happen to see both the positive and negative points of an individual. Now, you may be great working as a team, but that does not mean that you need to be on the same level of conversation with them when you are outside of the said project. Learn to set boundaries on when and where you can engage with a difficult person so that you can avoid possible chaos.
5. Choose your battles.
Difficult people do not see themselves being beaten. Therefore, instead of insisting on what you have in mind which may only lead to an endless discussion, learn to stand your ground when the timing is right.
6. Focus on positive emotions.
Toxic people see the negative side of a situation all the time. Instead of being pulled to that side, focus on your actions to make yourself better. Don’t stress yourself having to deal with these. Focus on how you can handle them, instead.
7. Avoid negative self-talk at all times.
Being around toxic people may make you absorb all the negativity. Focus on the more positive things and make yourself become more effective in whatever you do.
8. Get enough rest.
After spending hours in the office, nothing beats some quiet time. Relax. Unwind. Get enough rest to help you recharge and have enough energy to face another day.
9. Create a support system.
You cannot let every bad thing stay in your head all the time. You also need to let it out of your system to help you feel better. Having someone to confide with is essential so that you can also get advice on how to handle situations with difficult people.
Business would never become successful if partners will always find themselves surrounded with negativity. The only way to keep your sanity and minimize stress is to focus on what is good for everyone rather than linger on negative thoughts and constantly battle with others.
If there are people who can be difficult to deal with, find the right time to talk to them and find solutions on how to straighten issues.
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(Armando Bartolome is known as the Philippines’ Franchise Guru, a mentor to numerous micro entrepreneurs who are now themselves big names in the industry. This article is reposted with the author’s permission and was previously published on The Business Mentor column posted by ABSCBN News. For questions and more information, you may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome by email: philfranchiseguru@gmail.com or on Twitter @philfranguru. His website is https://www.gmbmsglobal.com/ )
