Left to me, I would stay home and not interact with people, especially when it comes to official matters/work. Why? Perhaps it's an introvert issue or maybe it's because I don't know how to deal with people that are difficult or that make me uncomfortable. Do we share the same sentiments?
Don't get me wrong though, I relate with people very well on a good day, I was actually once told that I should get a job at the embassy because I'm very nice and give good audience (I know i'm blowing my trumpet, it's allowed please). Sometimes I enjoy the process of meeting people and interacting, but ONLY on the surface level, but once their inner demons start to come out, interaction over for me, can I go home now?
Unfortunately, this is real life and I can't just lock myself up in my room and decide to only interact with my friends and people i'm comfortable with. How do I expect to grow as an adult person if I keep running away? *sigh* this adulting thing is not for the faint hearted sha.
So I've been learning how to deal/work with difficult people and people that make me uncomfortable, I'm still learning though, but so far here's what I've managed to learn...
Understand their point of view
It's easy for us to react and make decisions based on how we see things, but won't life be a lot easier if we at least attempt to see things from another person's point of view? Especially if we are having a difficult time getting along with the person. So in dealing with difficult people, you have to try your best to listen; be a good listener and understand where they are coming from. This might not always work though, because some people came straight out of the devils anus, but we still have to make the effort. Right?
Ask them what their problem is for their suggestions.
Shey you know difficult people have the annoying habit of complaining about everything but not offering solutions, alternatives or suggestions. Sometimes, the best way of working with and getting along with a difficult person is asking them out rightly to suggest alternatives, so they can say it once and for all instead of being a huge pain in everyone's behind. This can go either of two ways; they actually know what they are talking about and give reasonable suggestions OR they know absolutely nothing and it becomes evident that they use the bad attitude to cover it up.
Focus on their positive side *sigh*
I know it's hard to go from "I want to throw you off a cliff" to "you're actually not that bad". It is really hard trust me I know! But for peace to reign and for results to be achieved, you have to find the positive side in "your difficult person". Most difficult people are perfectionists and are usually meticulous, some are smart and although they may sound annoying, they actually know what they are doing and let's face it, these are admirable traits. Once you recognize their positives, working with them should be a lot easier for you...hopefully.
After all said and learnt, whether or not I will have the strength and patience to put what I've learnt into action is story for another day *sigh*
Okay I've been talking typing since, now it's your turn. Have you ever had to work with a difficult person? How did you handle the situation? I'm still in the learning process and I would absolutely love to learn a coping technique from you. Let's talk in the comments section below.
