Dealing with Difficult PeopleThe Verbal Judo Series

Maximum Effect, Minimal Effort

Conflicts of personality are a primary factor of internal issues.

Presidents are the facilitators of disciplinary meetings (a time-consuming practice).

Understanding challenging personality types can curb issues before they happen.

The Sinister Six

The Bull

Hostile Personality Type

Fly into a rage at the drop of a hat Unpredictable Can act like tyrants when they don’t get their

way Can be abusive

The Counter

Separate them from the group Allow them to vent their anger within reason Set boundaries early State your position, stay factual, stay cool

The Genius

Ego-Centered Personality

Smarter than you in their area of expertise Commonly correct what you say Quick to point out your flaws

The Counter

Know your facts Capitalize on their knowledge by asking

questions Strategically place them on like assignments Praise their work

The Sucker-Puncher

The Passive Aggressive

Use potshots & sarcasm to undermine you Will fail to complete projects & blame you Rarely ever takes the lead Rarely ever contributes

The Counter

Keep issues fact-centered If necessary, use open-ended questions to put

the spotlight on them Use the fear of open confrontation against

them

The Downer

The Neurotic Personality

Focuses on the down side of every issue Every idea is wrong Every initiative will turn out badly

The Counter

Understand their perspective, but don’t endorse it

Stay factual Don’t get drawn into an argument Stay positive

The Cheerleader

People Pleasing Personality

Super excited about everything Volunteer for everything Overcommit themselves

The Counter

Know their expertise Limit what you ask of them Affirm their contributions Teach them to say no

The Ghost

Mystery Personality

They watch everything but say nothing Rarely socialize with the group Unable to figure out motivations

The Counter

Draw them out with open ended questions Be persistent, but patient Look for non-verbal cues

What if it’s me?

The Counter

Know your triggers (mindfulness) Bulls: Separate emotion from fact (cool down) Geniuses: Teach, don’t preach Sucker Punchers: Ask questions (honest

assertiveness) Downers: Focus on the good Cheerleaders: Get others engaged Ghosts: Get engaged!

Questions?

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