How to deal with difficult people?

5 Key things you can do to protect yourself from the harm influence:

Dealing with a situation where someone at work is perecievng you as a threat and is doing whatever it might take, to undermine your character and your competencies is actually a very toxic situations.

Most advices, like the ones bellow, are simply not working. 

• Have an open and honest conversation - usually this type of a person is not really ‘honest’ at all and can be really sneaky.
• Clarify your intentions and assure your colleague that you are not trying to take their job or undermine their position - how do you assure a person that is really insecure and manipulative?
• Focus on your own work and demonstrate your competence and dedication to your role - this got you in the trouble in the first place.
• Seek support from a manager or HR. This one might work. But, so many people would never break their ‘code of honor’ and actually do it. Also, be careful if the HR is in good relationship with the ‘person’. This could back fire.

So what to do?

This workplace situation can be challenging and stressful. And, can take a tool on your health and wellbeing, beside influencing your position at work. One effective strategy for managing such situations is to focus on yourself and your own behavior.

Here are some tips for how to do that:

1. Set boundaries: Toxic people often overstep boundaries and push their own agendas. Set clear boundaries for what you will and will not tolerate in terms of behavior and communication. Stick to these boundaries and do not allow toxic people to push you around. Practice to be firm.

2. Stay positive: Toxic people can be negative and draining. Focus on maintaining a positive attitude and mindset, and surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you.

3. Avoid engaging in drama: Toxic people often thrive on drama and conflict. Refuse to engage in their drama and instead focus on your own work and priorities.

4. Communicate assertively: When communicating with toxic people, be assertive and direct. State your opinions and needs clearly, but do so in a calm and respectful manner.

5. Seek support: I personally would recommend seeking professional support. Because face it, dealing with toxic people can be emotionally taxing. And, support from friends, family, or colleagues who can provide a listening ear and help you stay positive, is limited. 

Have in mind this: you cannot change toxic people or their behaviour.

But, you can control how you react to them and the impact they have on you. 

I know, it’s easier said than done. But. It is possible. I’ve been there. And, it is ;)

Feel free to get more advices on a free 1:1 Session with me, here:

https://termin.platzer-consulting.com/mindustry/get2know-call

Watch one of my previous videos to get more idea about the issue, here:

https://www.do-how.li/linkedIn

Explore our coaching options, here:

https://mindustry.mykajabi.com/talk-calmly-even-when-you-are-upset-1