Working with annoying people

Every one of us has that boss, co-worker, client, customer or even friend that gets us annoyed at every given opportunity. The instinctive thing to do is to find a way to put a scissors to the relationship. But a business person cant just do that, especially when there is monetary value involved.

Though they might not all apply in the same way, a few of these tips will help you deal with that person and get maximum benefits from the relationship.

1. Control the amount of time spent with them. You might need to time your meetings with them. Let them know that you only have a specified amount of time to spend as you have other important things to take care of. Give them the impression that you are busy and have other stuff to do. When the amount of time you agreed to spend is up, leave.

2. Take notes and repeat. This one will particularly apply to an annoying boss or client. When they are giving instructions, take notes and repeat their instructions to them before leaving. This will help you avoid any ambiguities or misunderstandings as to the nature of things they want you to do. So the possibility of you being nagged at or disrespected for not doing what they wanted it limited.

3. Set Limits. Let them know their limits as per the kind of conversations they can have with you. Let there be clear boundaries between personal and work related issues. If the person tries to bring up something you do not want to talk about at that time, you could say something like "I'll love to chat, but could we please talk about work during work hours?".

4. Politely let them know. No matter who they are, you should find a way to politely let them know what they do that annoys you. It might just have been a communication problem all the way. They may not have known that they annoy you at all. So, you could find a way to say something like "I know you mean well and you're only trying to help me but I don't like when you refer to my son in our discussions".

5. Avoid arguments. Though some arguments could be beneficial, especially when parties are trying to reach a decision that's best for everyone. But arguments with one that annoys you will hurt you more than it will help you. It will drain the energy out of you and you might never even feel like you have won. So if you feel the urge to argue with someone who annoys you at every opportunity, just let them state their point while you listen carefully, then state your points clearly, requesting the other person to let you get done before they talk. Once the conversation is starting to get argumentative, ask to be excused and send them an email reiterating your viewpoint.

6. Remind yourself it will soon be over. One thing I do whenever I have to relate with an annoying boss or client is that I keep reminding myself that the meeting, day, week or dealing as the case may be will soon be over. So that gears me up to put in my best while it lasts, so I won't have to get a backlash or redo whatever we're doing together at the time.

Working with annoying people

Every one of us has that boss, co-worker, client, customer or even friend that gets us annoyed at every given opportunity. The instinctive thing to do is to find a way to put a scissors to the relationship. But a business person cant just do that, especially when there is monetary value involved.

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Working with annoying people

Every one of us has that boss, co-worker, client, customer or even friend that gets us annoyed at every given opportunity. The instinctive thing to do is to find a way to put a scissors to the relationship. But a business person cant just do that, especially when there is monetary value involved.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

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