How to deal with difficult people

Self-expression is why most feedback conversations fail. After all, you’ve been annoyed with this person for a while. You want them to know how they made your life harder. It’s common to unload your pent up frustration onto them. This has the opposite effect of what you want.

1. Mentally forgive the person This part is important. Do not skip it. If you are filled with resentment or anger, it WILL boil over. It won’t take much to throw you off: • A passive-aggressive comment • A tiny... See more

the world becomes a lot easier to love when you go through it with the belief that everyone is usually doing their best, and is probably frustrated with their own shortcomings even more than you might be frustrated with them. when someone disappoints or angers you, remember:

This often means giving the benefit of the doubt even when–especially when–you don’t feel like the person deserves it. 🚫 Before: “Why did you do that? That was pretty bad. It embarrassed me and the whole company… Your mistake caused x damage and y trouble.”

They’re hurt, confused, and defensive. Instead of embracing your feedback, they see it as an attack. You worry about retaliation because now things are awkward. You wonder if you should have stayed silent… Here’s a better way: