Dealing with difficult types

Here are some useful phrases you can use at work to communicate with the different types of “difficult” people described in the article.

THE TALKER

• Sorry to interrupt but…
• Mike, can we come back to that later?
• Delia, we need to hear from the others.

THE ARGUER

• Let’s not dismiss this too quickly.
• If you disagree with this idea, what would be your proposal?
• Are you aware of the impact that your style has on others?
• Some people feel frustrated when you…

THE UNDERPERFORMER

• How can we/I support you?
• How can we make your role more motivating?
• Your input is really valuable because…
• Many thanks for your help with… That was really great.

THE INDIVIDUALIST

• It is important also to think about relationships within the team.
• How can we/I support you in developing people skills?
• At the next level, your own expertise matters much less than your ability to help others to develop.

THE COMPLAINER

• Jackie, sorry, but it’s not acceptable to talk about colleagues like that.
• I really don’t think that criticism is justified.
• Why do you feel frustrated by… ?

And here are some questions that you can ask others in your organization to get feedback on your own role as a leader.

ASKING OTHERS TO HELP YOU

• What do you think about this?
• Who has an alternative view here?
• What am I missing here?
• How can I do this better?
• In which areas is there room for improvement on my part?