I recently received a flyer advertising a business seminar on “Dealing with Difficult People.”
I think there’s been a mistake, because everyone in the office knows I am the difficult people with whom others must learn to deal. Nonetheless, I took it upon myself to review the flyer and see whether this seminar might just have something to offer the people whodeal with me on a daily basis. As it happens, the seminar apparently offers to teach a number of interesting-and-helpful skills, including:
1. Proven ways to “buy time” during a conflict (Sorry, I think Twix already has this one locked up. Statistically, 56% of you “need a minute” to figure it out.)
2. The best way to give aggressive people alternatives to direct conflict. (I’m thinking “with a bullhorn – from a significant distance.”)
3. Three steps to better communicationwith difficult people (1. Steal underpants…)
4. Dealing with people who take things personally (I didn’t read more. They were clearly attacking me.)
5. How to cope with people who make promises you suspect they won’t keep. (They’re called “lawyers” – and you cope by not trusting them.)
6. Learning why complainers complain. (They need a seminar to teach this? I can answer that question in five words…)
7. Responding to people who practice one-upsmanship (No matter what they tell you, Ican tell you better.)
According to the brochure, “understanding difficult people makes dealing with them less frustrating.” (Yeah, Right. I’ll put my capacityfor insufferably irritating behavior up against their tactics and skills any day. Give it your best shot – but don’t you dare get understanding all over my suit.)
It’s probably wrong of me to take such delight in taunting these people. After all, they’re trying to help. Maybe I should just knock it off and try not to be so difficult for a change.
Of course, that would put the seminar organizers out of work. Which wouldn’t be very nice at all. Their families couldn’t afford extra-large Oreo freezies and their children would have no shoes to protect their toes from Global Warming – and it would be all my fault.
So on second thought, I think I’ll go right on being irascible and irritating – at least until someone asks me not to.
Trackposted to Jo’s Cafe, High Desert Wanderer, Pursuing Holiness, and Conservative Thoughts, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
