How To Get Along With Difficult People In 3 Simple Steps
By Michael Lee

Knowing how to get along with difficult people is an advantage for anyone who's ever had to work with a team or a group of people.

After all, there will always be someone who's not quite willing to go along with the plan, someone whose hobby is to turn down all ideas, someone who just doesn't have a positive contribution to the team. So how do you deal with this kind of person?

If you want to know how to get along with difficult people, these steps could help you out!

Step 1: Focus On Their Positive Traits.

Not all difficult people lack positive characteristics. Even though your co-worker is the most stubborn person you've ever met, maybe they can come up with good ideas from time to time.

On your next group meeting, why don't you encourage your co-worker's positive side? Get them to talk about what they would like to do for the next project. If said co-worker's stubborn side flares up, don't react like anyone else might. Don't get angry or challenge them in a way that might not end up well. Keep being encouraging.

Do this for a while and even your co-worker will realize that they need not let stubbornness get in the way of getting the job done.

Step 2: Be The First To Convey Niceness

Difficult people are tough to change. However, that doesn't mean you can't be the one to change. Sometimes, being the first to exude niceness can make it easier for you to get along with difficult people.

Let's say you and your sister don't really get along well. Even if there's no special occasion, why don't you buy her something nice on the way home? If you feel iffy about buying something especially for her, you can start by buying a cake that you can share with the whole family.

Step 3: Don't Let Them Get To You.

If you want to know how to get along with difficult people, you must never ever let them get to you.

For example, if the shopkeeper next door is always grouchy at people, don't take it personally. Instead, smile and maybe even buy something from his store. Don't be intimidated by how bad-tempered he is.

There might be underlying reasons for his behavior. Maybe he's just growing old and has not seen his family for years. Maybe he has a bad back that has been bothering him since forever.

No matter how difficult a person is, you won't be able to get along with them unless you know how to shield yourself from their negative influence.

Learning how to get along with difficult people is very important. Try these steps and see how far they'll get you.