Handling Difficult People
Review the “Handling Difficult People-Interventions” portion of the week 4 lecture. Based on the techniques outlined there, illustrate how you might handle an interpersonal conflict with a fellow team member in the workplace. In your analysis and application, discuss which techniques would be most appropriate or least appropriate in the context of a team meeting and in the context of a private, one-on-one interaction with the team member
In private one-on-one interactions, open ended questions could be used to better understand the other person’s perspective on the issue and allow for further exploration into their position. Additionally, role playing could help build empathy as it allows each individual to identify with the other’s feelings and experiences (Guevara & Tsangarakis 2020). It is important to note however that while this technique can provide insight into what needs doing going forward, it may not always lead directly towards a solution due its nature as exploratory tool.
On the other hand, tactics such as deflection or blaming should be avoided at all costs since they do little but foster animosity between individuals involved. Overly confrontational approaches such arguing back forth also not recommended escalate tension already existing situation rather than address underlying issues mentioned by Meehan 2017 . Ultimately then applying right techniques when dealing conflict within workplace key successful resolution cited Matheny & Ward 2018 .