15 Tips for Prickly People:

January 4, 2011 3:16 pm

Accommodation, Accountability, Assertiveness, Attitude, Be Positive, Bullies, Coaching, Collaboration, Communication, Communication Tips, Communications, Competition, Compromise, Conflict, Conflict Management, Conflict Management Styles, Control, Difficult Conversations, Difficult People, Difficult Situations, Does Your Listening Need a Tune Up?, Effective Communication, Employees, Feedback, Groups vs. Individuals, Honesty, In Control, Interpersonal Skills, Interviews, Issues, Leadership, Listen Attentively, Listening, Management, Managers, Managing, Mentoring, Motivation, Negativity, Negotiation, Negotiation Skills, Objective Language, Office Politics, Performance Review, Positive Environment, Positive Work Environment, Problem Solving, Soft Skills, Stress, Stress Management, Subjective Opinions, Success, Teams, Trust, What to Say When…, Win-win

1. Consider your response to rights vs. needs vs. wants.
2. Stick to issues and behaviors.
3. Say what you mean in specific terms (we can’t read minds).
4. Avoid debate.
5. Establish emotional boundaries (standards of behavior).
6. Invite critical feedback.
7. Develop respectful responses to disrespectful behavior.
8. Do not shoulder the blame for criticisms that are not yours to own.
9. Listen with respect and respond with care.
10. Initiate contact with, “Specifically, how can I be helpful to you?
11. Maintain your focus on, “We can work this out.”
12. Be congruent – words, tone actions.
13. Give people a way out. Establish choices.
14. Count to 10. Use silence to increase your calm. It’s valuable to “leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”
15. Breathe. Fully breathe for calm and for conveying steadiness and confidence.

Written By

drmimi

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Dear Dr. Mimi — Conflicted

August 14, 2026

Dear Dr. Mimi,I have been having some issues with a coworker of mine. I don’t want it to get in the way of work. How should I handle it?—Conflicted Dear Overwhelmed,If you have a problem with a coworker, stay calm and plan what you are going to say. After you share your thoughts, listen to…
Dear Dr. Mimi — Falling Behind

August 14, 2026

Dear Dr. Mimi,I have been working at my company for ten years, and lately, there has been a lot of new technology implemented that I am not comfortable using. I feel like I am falling behind and nobody cares!—Falling Behind Dear Falling,Learning new things is always scary. I recommend asking your boss if someone can…
Informal Roles Shape Teams. Manage Them!

August 14, 2026

Often, employees take on informal roles beyond their official job titles. These roles include team explainer, unofficial motivator, coach, problem-solver, and/or organizer. They help teams function better, strengthen relationships, and fill often overlooked gaps. Playing these roles often demonstrates initiative and a willingness to contribute to a team’s success. Informal roles are important AND they…

15 Tips for Prickly People:

Leave a Reply

Dear Dr. Mimi — Conflicted

Dear Dr. Mimi — Falling Behind

Informal Roles Shape Teams. Manage Them!