Responding to ‘difficult’ people

At some time we all come across an individual who is difficult to work with, and this can have a bad effect on work and morale.  People often chose to ignore the problem for a while, in the hope it will resolve itself, but this may make things worse if the person concerned has a problem they feel is not being addressed. 

You should begin by ensuring that you don’t respond in the same way.¬† Try to lead by example and maintain a calm friendly manner; they may respond in the better as the situation is difused.¬† You may even try a little gentle humour to ease tension.

It is often helpful to ask an independent observer how they see the situation, and if they have any suggestions.

If the difficulties continue it is important to find a private area to talk in a calm measured way about the behaviour that you have noticed and the effect it is having on you and/or others.

Listen carefully to how they respond and try to find out without prying what is behind the behaviour.  It may way be due to factors outside the working environment, so tact is essential.

By discussing the situation both of you are acknowledging that there is a problem, you can begin looking for ways to resolve it.