Communication – Personal Development – Business

Start noticing how a simple smile makes you feel. Difficult People with Toxic Behaviors smile less. So I plan to just look pleasant more often and not like I am ready to rip peoples throats out.

I was traveling yesterday from Nashville to Chicago and the flight was delayed two hours because of Mechanical problems. I had a choice on how I handled it as did the people behind the counter. They were gracious and compelling with their approach to a bad situation. They helped me think about how productive I could be in writing my next book proposal with two “extra” hours. And I did just that.

Tags: awareness, bad behavior, Be Nice, calm, dealing with difficult people, Goodwill, perception by admin
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Today is our 15th Wedding Anniversary. I was thinking about why this relationship has lasted and others in my past have not. Here is my conclusion:

1. We made a pact early on to stay open to each others passions. That means Al goes to concerts and the theater with me, and I do his outdoor stuff. Make this a ground rule forever.
2. Understand financial goals, spending habits, investment risk parameters and more. The #1 reason relationships fall apart is financial problems. Have ongoing, open conversations about money.

Tags: awareness, communicate, communications, difficult relationships, listening, marriage, relationships, sanity by admin
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This day I thankfully accept all of the good things that are coming my way.  This day is full of excitement, love, energy, health, and prosperity.  This day, people are calling on me to be of service to them and I respond by giving my very best.  This day, I think and practice health in my life, refusing to accept anything less than perfect health.

Tags: awareness, Book review, cooperation, Goal setting, Goodwill, kindness, perception, sanity, Thanksgiving greeting by admin
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Some of you have responded to the blog on difficult people because of the job market and especially the process of interviewing. Hearing about people that are upset because there are “no jobs out there” or “Poor me, I’ve been laid off” makes me crazy – so here is my take on the subject. Let me know what you think!

You’ve been laid off and have nowhere to go. How is your attitude? Have you become a toxic or difficult person because you are just plain ticked off? Here are some simple tricks to keep you on target:

Tags: awareness, bad behavior, communications, dealing with difficult people, difficult people, employment, hiring, Job Interviews, personal marketing, problem people, unemployment by Marsha
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Want to have some fun? Type in “Companies that suck in customer service” into your web browser search engine. On last count, there were 1,670,000 web sites, postings, and blogs outlining specific company names and problems displaying difficult people’s behavior. Is your company part of that list? Whether you are the leader of the company, on the maintenance team or anything in between, you should be concerned. The minute a company heads down hill, and many times, it is because of poor customer service results, your job is in jeopardy.

Tags: awareness, client care, communications, cooperation, customer service, dealing with difficult clients, difficult people, perception, sanity by Marsha
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Many of you ask questions about your work place and difficult people – especially with unemployment rates being low. One reoccurring issue is how do you know who NOT to hire! Here is my take on insuring a toxic free zone.

Difficult and Toxic People don’t just make others feel miserable; they create problems for their companies in many ways. They increase turnover, lower morale, and reduce profits.

When hiring employees, look for two characteristics: judgment and attitude. Typically, difficult people do not have either of these attributes. Everything else can be trained.

Tags: awareness, communications, cooperation, Deception, hiring, problem people by Marsha
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I’ve been asked to submit many articles lately, especially with the release of my book. Check out the latest article about Backstabbers posted at Women’s Media.

Writing the article reminded me that when we look at who we work with everyday, when we evaluate the 2008 elections or whatever our situation is – it is our personal responsibility to learn more and form our own opinions.

Don’t let anyone tell you someone else falls into a difficult behavior or a toxic person category. Learn for yourself. Gather information on your own, question, pay attention and take responsibility for creating your own thoughts.

Tags: awareness, Backstabbers, cooperation, dealing with difficult people, difficult relationships, Politics, x-rated behavior by Marsha
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Happy Conflict Resolution Day!!!

BRITNEY SPEARS LYRICS in her song “Toxic”

“Baby, can’t you see I’m calling. A guy like you. Should wear a warning. It’s dangerous. I’m fallin’.”

With all the press she has had – I think we have to agree she is a difficult person and displays toxic behavior.

Well, her choices are awful, but her lyrics mimicked the situation I had today with Direct TV. I was “calling” them to get another cable box for our guest room. The “guy” in customer service should wear a “warning.” The situation was “dangerous” because I felt myself “falling” into that ugly space of Toxic Behavior.

Tags: awareness, Be Nice, Britany Spears, communications, cooperation, dealing with difficult people, difficult people, Toxic, Uncategorized by Marsha
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I spoke at a meeting last night and the audience was filled with highly educated people, the majority being MD’s – yes-medical doctors. There were some positive business changes being discussed within there organization. I was fascinated to listen to some of the difficult people express their whining questions, accusatory tone, and how some choose to take the Whine and Cheeser Toxic person route.

The message they send
• Don’t expect me to do anything to fix problems – I’m helpless
• To stay on my good side you must listen to my complaints
• I’m perfect. Therefore, it is my duty to notice all of the faults around me
• I’m right occasionally, so you had better be sure and listen to me

Tags: awareness, bad behavior, calm, communications, dealing with difficult people, difficult people, listening, problem people, whinning by Marsha
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Marsha in Washington DC

I was thinking about managing Toxic People. I’m returning from Washington DC today and had some wonderful interactions but also encountered some difficult people.

I have determined that the way you were raised determines how you view the world. If you were waised by Toxic People you will have a tendency to become a difficult person. Kind parents – you have a better chance of being a nicer person.

Did your parents teach you to be suspicious of everyone and everything? My mom did. I couldn’t play with Dougie next door because he had “sneaky” eyes. Thanks Mom – lesson learned. Becoming suspicious about everyone and everything was from the role model provided at home.

Tags: awareness, bad behavior, Be Nice, calm, communications, dealing with difficult bosses, dealing with difficult people, difficult people, perception, sanity by Marsha
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