DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE!

KEEP COOL

Staying calm with a volatile person isn’t always easy, but it’s usually the most efficient tactic. Take a deep breath and listen to their issues. Then present your point of view politely and clearly. You’ll send a message that you want to reach a solution peacefully.

UNDERSTAND THEIR ANGER

Try to identify why your antagonist is acting aggressively. Figure out what’s preventing him or her from cooperating and what you can do to resolve the situation.

FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS

If a person has a problem and continues to complain about it, don’t dwell on their negative behavior. Instead, help them find a way to fix it. They’ll appreciate it, and your conflict will melt away!

DON’T EXPECT THE OTHER PERSON TO CHANGE

People are who they are. If they’ve exhibited a certain behavior for years, they aren’t going to drop it just for you. Find a way to accept their shortcomings and work around them.

PICK YOUR BATTLES

Not every fight is worth the effort and cost. If the situation won’t impact you negatively in the long term, it may not be worth escalating the conflict. Let it go.

FIND A MEDIATOR

If you’re just not getting anywhere with someone and need to come to a resolution, ask a person they know and respect to help.

GETTING along with everyone can be challenging, and if you need to coexist, work with or accept someone who rubs you the wrong way, these tips will help keep your interactions as effective and pleasant as possible.