CONCRETE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TODAY TO HANDLE ANY SITUATION

How To Deal With Difficult

People at Work

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G AB Y T H E R E S A H O R E Z G A

Interacting with a challenging coworker can be stressful and overwhelming. That stress can also impact every other part of your life. 

Take a deep breath. 

There are many skillful ways to reduce friction, create understanding and establish yourself as a respected leader in the process.

BREATHE

For even a moment..

Try to set your differences aside.

Understand that this person is likely doing their very best.

Perhaps they're used to doing  things differently than you do.

  

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

The way they're acting is likely a learned behavior. Chances

are, they're doing things in a way that has brought them

success, acceptance or love in the past. 

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

ACCEPTT H E M F O R W H O

T H E Y A R E

THIS PERSON PROBABLY HAS A SOFT SPOT FOR PUPPIES, SAND BETWEEN THEIR TOES AND CARES DEEPLY FOR

THEIR PARENTS, CHILDREN OR CLOSEST FRIENDS.

Regardless of their rough

exterior,

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

Use these reminders to soften your perception of them and to act from a place of love. 

The only person you can change in this situation is you. When you relate to the situation differently, you create an opportunity for a more positive relationship to form.

LOVE

BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR PERSPECTIVES, AND THEM AND THEIR PERSPECTIVES. . .

WHERE CAN YOU F IND A POINT OF SHARED CONNECTION?

Now..

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

YOU

THEM WORK

CONNECT

. .AS LONG AS IT 'S AUTHENTIC AND PROFESSIONALLY APPROPRIATE.

PERHAPS YOU BOTH HAVE A COMMITMENT TO HIGH QUALITY WORK

. .OR YOU BOTH FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT LATTES

It can be anything..

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

YOU

THEM WORK

CONNECT

Acknowledging a shared

connection, even on an

energetic level can start to

positively shift the dynamic.

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

CREATE T INY OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONNECTION. A GENUINE SMILE, A

L ITTLE LAUGH, OR A TONE OF ENERGETIC UNDERSTANDING CAN GO

A LONG WAY.

Take baby steps to test the

waters and establish trust.

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

Your needs are important too. 

If something inappropriate happens, wait until the emotions simmer down and then calmly acknowledge the situation. 

Try to maintain a curious, respectful tone, and ask the other person for their perspective. "What happened back there?" 

SET BOUNDARIES

Once you truly understand their perspective,

authentically acknowledge their viewpoints.  

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

Ask if you can share your perspective too.

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

Share your experience, and let them know

about any behaviors that felt inappropriate to

you.

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

Let them know that you'd like to connect with

them in the most productive and useful ways.

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

Suggest or ask for some potential ways you

can communicate a bit better so you can both

interact more respectfully next time.

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

DO ask for help if you need it. 

If the situation feels too intense to handle on your own, plan this type of conversation in advance with thehelp of a trained coach, therapist or other professional. 

You might also choose to have other supportive, solution-oriented members of your company present for added safety.

RINSE AND REPEAT

Continue practicing these concepts over time.

Practice them with respect, sensitivity and  an openness to

positive outcomes for best results.

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

REMEMBER..While there are many powerful tools you can use to shift a

challenging relationship into a wonderfully connected one...

Sometimes the best solution is to switch departments, switch

teams, or leave.

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

HOWEVER..Keep in mind that our outer world often reflects our inner

world... including the small wounded parts of ourselves that

we'd rather not see.

Do the transformative inner work now, within your current

situation to make sure these types of  challenges don't crop up

at your next job.

L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / T H E R E S A - H O R E Z G A

As a world-class iPEC Certified Professional Coach and Communication Expert, I can help you do that inner work, and plan productive conversations to create cohesiveness at work and beyond.

Hire me for private coaching, in- office conflict resolution or for corporate speaking engagements (worldwide).

For more information and to reserve your ideal time and date, email  thorezga@gmail.com

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