Communication – Personal Development – Business

One of our readers asked a great questions on how to better manage Toxic Meetings. Use these Quick and Easy steps to STOP THEM and the difficult people in meetings!

My suggestion is to ask the group if they would like to spend less time in meetings and get a raise of hands. On a flip chart or white board, ask them what rules they would like to implement. You can start with a suggestion.

I’ve included some considerations below. Ask for an “OK” that these are acceptable ground rules. Type them out and begin every meeting with these rules to reduce the time spent in meetings.

Tags: communicate, dealing with difficult people, meetings, sanity by admin
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Whether you are dealing with a Backstabber, Steamroller, Know-it-All or any other type of difficult behavior identified in Toxic People, fill your tool case with as much information as possible.  I just ordered the Microexpressions CD from Paul Ekman www.paulekman.com. 

This is a great tool that I think everyone should use and learn from.  Make sure your bucket is filled to the top with ideas you can apply every day!  Just a thought.

It is our job to learn how to handle difficult people!  Happy New Year.  It will be a GREAT ’08.  Marsha

Tags: awareness, Backstabbers, bad behavior, communications, difficult people, microexpressions, personal responsibility, sanity 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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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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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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Yikes. Bad behavior is permeating the airport terminal waiting area. Couples arguing, kids screaming, and just general rudness. Why? I truly it is because the graciousness of society is degrading at a spectacular rate because of the lack of interraction needed to run your life. Computers, cell phones, internet, DVR, and other technology eliminate the need to develop skills of kindness and caring.

As I sit here in the airport, I am making a promise to myself to be especially gracious to others - no matter what their behavior. There are so many difficult people here. How about you? Take this week to focus on being a great communicator, ask interesting and delving questions into what the other person cares about. NOT what is important to you.

Tags: bad behavior, calm, communications, dealing with difficult people, difficult people, difficult relationships, perception, sanity, self-centeredness by admin
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I just returned from a meeting of speakers – the National Speakers Association Annual Convention and connected with some wonderful old friends and made some great new friends. The major reason I hadn’t attended for a couple years was because of the inflated view many of the wanna-be speakers (and the never-be’s) have of themselves. Well actually, it is beyond inflated, they flat lie. So in an attempt to stay sane, I decided to dig deep and remember a skill I developed in my corporate life.

Tags: Deception, difficult people, liars, sanity by admin
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