Category Archives: Difficult People

Collaboration

Collaboration can become "coliberation" when done right. When, exactly, are "two heads better than one"?  When the overall goal and task at hand deserve this form of closely aligned partnering.  Of course, not every type of work, every goal or every task deserves it, and when collaboration is warranted, success depends on the willingness and skill-sets of collaboration partners.  Key is to Continue Reading ...

Exploring the Inner Frontier, Part 3

What's a Healthy Boundary Between You and a Maniac? -- part 3 of 3 By Daniel Robin Hank says to me "It’ll never work," just two days after his team’s proposal was approved. Shirley says the reason the project is doomed is that nobody ever talks to her. I innocently ask "What can you do about that?" and she snaps "I don’t have time for this!" and walks out of the room. Whoa! How do you Continue Reading ...

Exploring the Inner Frontier, Part 1

How to Create and Maintain Healthy Workplace Boundaries -- part 1 of 3 By Daniel Robin "So what happened to you? It’s like you’ve gone M.I.A. … missing for weeks…." "My job ate my life," Tom sighed, as the two high-tech workers sipped their half-decaf cappuccinos. Katie asks politely, "May I offer a suggestion? Push back a little. Your life is more important." "Yeah, but I’m actually Continue Reading ...

Difficult Behaviors at Work: Part 3

I Hate It When You Do That! (Do what?) By Daniel Robin Dealing with difficult people (or, more precisely, consultant-speak "behavior") begins with identifying and naming that which is so exasperating – you know, the types of behavior that drive you nuts, that trigger a strong reaction in you. Think, for a moment, about the people around you, and notice any behaviors that push your buttons. Continue Reading ...

Difficult Behaviors at Work: Part 2

Whose 'Stuff' Is It? By Daniel Robin When the boss bites. When the team cracks. When that jerk in the next cubicle …. These are few of my least favorite things. What are yours? What if indirectness, bad boundaries, and pushiness all manifest in one coworker, what can be done? In some ways, exasperating and annoying behaviors like being hyper-critical or defensive are harder to handle than Continue Reading ...

Difficult Behaviors at Work: Part 1

The Difficulty with Difficult People (Who, no rx me?) By Daniel Robin Each of us has a "difficult" person hiding inside. Some have it well hidden and only let it out on rare occasions – unleashing it at the driver of another car, viagra or during competitive sports, capsule or as a familiar loop with a family member. Still others, despite best efforts at self-control, are just one step away from Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 9

Speaking Up About Put-Downs By Daniel Robin This article series outlines several tools for dealing with patterns of aggressiveness.  Assertive leaders are clear about what they want, listen actively, make requests, set clean boundaries, and handle differences through skillful negotiation.  Of course, depending on the “personality” involved, it might be best to ask for help or get out of their Continue Reading ...

Giving Workplace Negativity a Sustainable Lift: Part 3

Ending the Blame & Shame Game -- part 3 of 3 By Daniel Robin "You did it again! How many times have I told you that it is not okay to socialize with your workers … you’re in charge here, and being seen as ‘Mr. nice guy’ undermines your authority." The boss has spoken. "I don’t ‘socialize’ with them … we just talk, Bob explains. "Plus, you and I go to lunch sometimes … why Continue Reading ...

Giving Workplace Negativity a Sustainable Lift: Part 2

Gripe to Grip --  part 2 of 3 By Daniel Robin Most of the workplaces I’ve known are in a state of perpetual chaos and disrepair … they are immense and never-ending exercises in surfacing dramatic problems and (in some cases) actually solving them. By contrast, highly bureaucratic or rigid organizations simply do not allow problems (denial anyone?). However, allowing personal attacks, emotional Continue Reading ...