Difficult people

Have you ever seen a neighbor speak harshly to their kids and asked yourself, “What is wrong with them?”  Have you ever seen a co-worker mistreat another person at work?  Difficult people are everywhere.  There is no escaping this.  Returning to the office will bring this reality front and center.

               We bump into dysfunctional and struggling people every day.  It is a part of life, and it frequently leaves us with the feeling they are intentionally bumping into us.  As we continue our own unique journeys through life, an experience we are all going to share is encountering difficult people.  As we continue to gather in offices, and emerge from isolation, we need to handle these encounters in a meaningful way.

               Do not judge or shame a person when you see them struggle, fail, or get frustrated.  This creates a culture of blame and shame.  It is toxic.  Recognize that a person’s faults are the top layer covering years of neglect, mistreatment, or lack of mentoring.  This is a person who needs a healthy connection with you.

               Reach out and make connections with people who are struggling.  Did you see a neighbor acting unusually harsh with family?  Borrow a tool, or some eggs, and make a connection.  Did you see a co-worker lash out to constructive feedback in a meeting?  Get them a cup of coffee, and schedule it as a reoccurring meeting every week.

  Show people you care about them as people, and then you will find a meaningful opportunity to help.  Nobody is going to be receptive to advice from a stranger or an acquaintance.  Remember, if you want your team to embrace a return to the office, they must feel valued.  With that, you take the first step in creating a healthy culture at your office.