Handling Difficult Personalities and Behaviors in the Workplace

Understand the different personality types and learn the methods for engaging in conflict productively.

Throughout our careers, we all have to deal with difficult people. Difficult people come in many shapes and forms: your boss, a co-worker, a client or customer, a competitor, or a critic. Difficult people can cause us stress, anger, or even fear which can limit our response and our ability to manage them. But when they are handled correctly, they can become a resource and our biggest supporter. People who can manage difficult people are valued and get more done. This material will help you learn how to manage difficult people and turn these tough encounters into positive opportunities. Review what you control when encountering difficult people. Explore four key behaviors that you can recognize in difficult people that will help you better understand and manage them. Finally, understand key strategies that you can implement in dealing with difficult people and learn actionable skills that you can use to manage and turn difficult people into your ally and be able to walk away with dignity.

Faculty

Adam Bowman, Psy.D., PHR, SHRM-CP

Dr. Adam Bowman