How to Deal with Difficult People | Jay Johnson | TEDxLivoniaCCLibrary

TEDx Talks13 minutes read

Interacting with difficult people can evoke stress and anger due to the body's natural response to survival mechanisms, impacting rational thinking and leading to workplace issues. Focusing on changing our responses rather than changing others' behaviors, understanding different behavior archetypes, and using behavioral intelligence can help in managing difficult individuals and fostering better relationships.

Insights

  • Stress and anger when dealing with difficult individuals are natural responses triggered by the brain's survival mechanism, flooding the body with stress hormones that impair rational thinking and heighten anxiety.
  • Focusing on changing our own responses and behaviors, rather than attempting to change difficult people, is crucial in managing workplace conflicts effectively, while using inclusive language, recognition, and rewards can positively influence their behaviors.

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Recent questions

  • How does the brain react to difficult people?

    When faced with difficult individuals, the brain triggers stress hormones like adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol, leading to heightened anxiety and impaired rational thinking. This natural response is a survival mechanism that prepares the body for a fight or flight response.

  • What are the potential consequences of workplace conflicts with difficult people?

    Workplace conflicts with difficult individuals can result in turnover, absenteeism, and project failures. These negative outcomes can impact the overall productivity and morale of a team or organization.

  • How can one effectively deal with difficult people?

    Changing others' behavior is challenging, so focusing on changing our own responses and behaviors is crucial. By understanding different behavior archetypes and practicing behavioral intelligence, individuals can navigate interactions with difficult people more effectively.

  • Why is it important to avoid labeling difficult people with negative terms?

    Labeling difficult individuals with negative terms like "difficult" or "pain" can create biases and impact how we interact with them. By reframing our mindset and avoiding such labels, we can approach interactions with a more open and understanding perspective.

  • What strategies can be used to positively influence difficult people's behaviors?

    Using inclusive language, recognition, and rewards can positively influence difficult people's behaviors, fostering better relationships and communication. By understanding the reasons behind difficult behaviors and employing proactive communication techniques, individuals can create a more harmonious and productive environment.

Related videos

Summary

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Navigating Difficult People in the Workplace

  • Feeling stressed and angry when dealing with difficult people is a natural response due to the brain's survival mechanism.
  • Stress hormones like adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol flood the body when engaging with difficult individuals, leading to heightened anxiety and impaired rational thinking.
  • Workplace conflicts with difficult people can result in turnover, absenteeism, and project failures.
  • Changing others' behavior is challenging, so focusing on changing our own responses and behaviors is crucial.
  • Labeling difficult people with negative terms like "difficult" or "pain" can create biases and impact how we interact with them.
  • Different behavior archetypes like the not listener, one-upper, gossiper, and curmudgeon can influence how we perceive and engage with difficult individuals.
  • Behavioral intelligence involves explaining, predicting, influencing, and controlling behaviors, offering a unique approach to dealing with difficult people.
  • Understanding the reasons behind difficult behaviors and asking questions can help in predicting and reducing uncertainty in interactions.
  • Using inclusive language, recognition, and rewards can influence difficult people's behaviors positively, fostering better relationships and communication.
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