How to deal with difficult people? What if he is your boss?

You know these people that think they are always right? People who cut you off before you finish your talk, because they know the words you are going to say.
I had to work with this person for many years as a key colleague at my organisation.

Looking at things from the other way around, I felt that if I left him to treat me like this, he would remain behaving that way, or even doing it more and more. On the other side, if I confronted him, then we could end up in a big fight where nobody wins. What would you do if this person was your boss? And quitting is not an option!

After some years, I realized that there are more than the two options of to fight or fly. There are other options like to understand that the reason this person is behaving in this way, is because it’s the only way he knows. Think about! He is doing his best to deal with this issue and, more than often they are treating us like that because they honestly think it will be in our best interest. They think this is the best way to make us put into action.

Be honest, we can’t blame someone for something that we are already doing as well. When we strongly believe in something, we become defensive to protect our ideas such as where our company should be going, the education of our kids, where we should live, etc.

My message: Be compassionate, try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view and be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires. This is the way that we will make them feel more comfortable with us (less aggressive / defensive) and opening channels of communication. This will allow you to get their will and achieve your goals.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New year

Jose Bort