If you are struggling to deal with a difficult person, here are some tips to help you overcome these challenges. First, be aware of their behavior. By naming it, you can create awareness of it and initiate change. Second, it is important to express your feelings. Refusing to do so may only encourage the difficult person to continue in their ways and will make the situation even more difficult. Lastly, remember that the same advice does not work for everyone. Be flexible and adaptable when dealing with difficult people.
If you are unable to persuade someone to change their behavior, try to understand their feelings. Most difficult people have some unmet needs that you must address. By understanding their needs, you can then use the nonviolent communication process to communicate with them. By following the process, you will be able to influence difficult people while minimizing the negative effects of your behavior on them.
Often, the best way to persuade a person is to assume their good intentions. Remember that the worst behavior comes from those who treat people badly. People do what they do for a reason. Even bad behaviors serve a useful purpose. By beginning your discussion with points and supporting data, you can start a conversation with a difficult person and get them to change their mind.
The first step in persuasion is to identify the right time. You should choose an ideal time when the person is at their best, has time to talk, and is in a good mood. Once you have identified the right time, start a conversation and build rapport. Finally, close the conversation by putting the call to action. Your efforts will pay off.
Remember that different people respond to different persuasion tactics. A logical perspective and emotional appeal are the most powerful persuasion tactics. You can use multiple persuasion tactics at once, targeting different aspects of the decision-making process. Make note of the level of engagement and highlight the tactics that have the most positive effect. You'll be surprised how persuasive persuasion can be.
Developing effective persuasion skills will also be useful in the workplace. These soft skills will help you make friends and advance your career. When you can influence others, you'll gain social awareness, broaden your knowledge, and even earn a reputation for making things happen. Ultimately, this could lead to increased pay and benefits within your company. While there are some universal principles, some people are better suited for influencing others than others.