Handling Difficult People - Engage Constructively

It takes initiative and understanding to engage the difficult person. Tensions could be the result of a misunderstanding or conflicting communication styles. Try engaging constructively with the other person through sharing the problem and listening to their perspective. Listen to their perspective, ask questions and try to understand their intention. Agree on mutual changes to behaviors. If your overtures and changed behavior don't work, limit your exposure or change your mindset. Keep a record of interactions; if their behavior worsens, take it up with HR or seek professional advice.

• Aim to engage constructively and recognize that tensions could be caused by a misunderstanding or conflicting communication styles.
• Offer to meet with them, preferably away from others.
• Listen to their perspectives, ask questions, try to understand their intentions.
• Agree on changes to behavior.
• If engaging the other person doesn't work, limit your exposure or change your mindset.
• If their behavior worsens, speak with HR or seek professional advice.