My Tip of the Week: Dealing With Difficult People
One of the most popular search terms on ptotoday.com -- all year round -- is "dealing with difficult people." Whether it's the folks who always complain about what the parent group does but never seem to step up to help, or the ones who are willing to give their time but make everyone else's life miserable in the process, these difficult people cause a lot of headaches among the leaders we talk to.
One
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of the most popular search terms on ptotoday.com -- all year round -- is "dealing with difficult people." Whether it's the folks who always complain about what the parent group does but never seem to step up to help, or the ones who are willing to give their time but make everyone else's life miserable in the process, these difficult people cause a lot of headaches among the leaders we talk to.
Some leaders worry that if they address the situation, they'll make it worse. But an uncomfortable situation is unlikely to change (and may even get worse) if you don't do something. If you're faced with someone who is complaining nonstop about the spring carnival plans, for example, find a minute to pull them aside for a discreet conversation and ask them (kindly) what their concerns and worries are. Maybe they're feeling overwhelmed and would like extra help. Maybe they're afraid of screwing up a much-loved tradition. If you just get annoyed at the whining and vent to your friends and fellow leaders, though, you'll reinforce your own negative feelings about the person -- and never find out what's at the root of the complaining.
These articles from our archives have more details about different situations you might find yourself in, and how to handle what comes up:
Dealing With Disagreements
How To Deal With Difficult People
How To React to Critics
Some leaders worry that if they address the situation, they'll make it worse. But an uncomfortable situation is unlikely to change (and may even get worse) if you don't do something. If you're faced with someone who is complaining nonstop about the spring carnival plans, for example, find a minute to pull them aside for a discreet conversation and ask them (kindly) what their concerns and worries are. Maybe they're feeling overwhelmed and would like extra help. Maybe they're afraid of screwing up a much-loved tradition. If you just get annoyed at the whining and vent to your friends and fellow leaders, though, you'll reinforce your own negative feelings about the person -- and never find out what's at the root of the complaining.
These articles from our archives have more details about different situations you might find yourself in, and how to handle what comes up:
Dealing With Disagreements
How To Deal With Difficult People
How To React to Critics
