Seven Difficult Personality Types and How to Deal with Them

Have you ever felt the pulse pounding, word-sputtering frustration of having your meeting disrupted by:

· a hardcore bully

· an ego-centered princess

· a passive-aggressive

· a baby

· negative Ned or Nancy

· a people pleaser, or

· a non-player.

No matter how challenging, belligerent, or negative the difficult person’s behavior, don’t take it personally. By identifying the seven difficult personalities and responding to each with openness and sound techniques, you can improve their dynamics and therefore run better meetings.

Meetings are great opportunities to share information with your team, to build skills, to motivate, and to give your team a chance to sound off. But even the best planned meetings can be a total loss if difficult people are not handled in effective ways.

Try these techniques the next time you encounter one of these difficult people.

Hardcore

Hardcore personalities are hostile, abusive and intimidating. They always have to be right and will charge like angry bulls if you challenge or cross them.

Take a deep breath. Let them blow off steam and express their anger and frustration. But, draw the line. Do not let them get abusive.

Address them by name to maintain control. Then state your position clearly and avoid the temptation to argue. You won’t win a battle with them, especially in a public forum. Learn to set your boundary early on.

Princesses

Princesses are experts and appear to know more than others should about a particular subject. Facts are power to them and since they know the facts, they feel superior. They want to be special and center stage.

Because you cannot “fake it” with them, make sure you know the facts and information. You can also capitalize on what they know by asking questions. They love to show off and have others appreciate their knowledge.

Use their knowledge strategically. Give them praise and maybe they’ll come out of their towers.

Passive aggressive

Passive aggressive personality types take potshots. They undercut your authority in devious ways by using sarcasm, which they often disguise as a joke. They will not be direct with their criticism.

Try to turn their attention and comments to the issues not the personalities involved. Once they realize that you won’t put up with their sniping, they usually stop. They do not want to be center stage, so tend to avoid open confrontation.

The baby

Babies see everything negatively. They complain, whine, and act defeated. Since they often believe no one thinks they are important, start your interactions by listening to what they say. Steer them toward the facts, which are usually much less negative than what they believe.

Maintain control by bringing up the negatives yourself. Then dismiss the negatives logically. Direct the baby’s attention to the more positive aspects of the situation. When baby asks a negative question, turn to the rest of the group to answer. Don’t give them much eye contact.

Date: 2016-01-14; view: 966