How to Confront Difficult People: The 100 words Guide

On February 16, 2025  By thesuccessmanual   Topic: Remarkable, Mba, Book summary

This guide belongs to 100 Ways To Be Being Remarkable Series, a special project that brings you business and self-development advice from The Success Manual.

Read Part 1, Dealing with Difficult and Angry people here

If you wish to understand democracy, spend less time in the library with Plato, and more time in the buses with people.
- Simeon Strunsky

Confront by telling the truth, gently. This either gets what you want, or helps the other person learn and grow.

And always say, “What I/the firm wants.......” not “What I/the firm does not want....”.

This is called positive confrontation.

Step 1: State clearly what you want.
Step 2: Explain clearly what effect the behavior has on you or others.
Step 3: Give a specific example.
Step 4: Ask for change (in which ways– be specific)

Plan when and where the confrontation will occur – and, besides of examples of unacceptable behavior, mention a list of the person’s positive contributions too.

To save the offender’s face, you may decide to confront him in private (your office),
and convey a confident, positive exterior.

In the end, ask the person to summarize –check that they have heard and interpreted you correctly, including the agreed action.
- Source: Andrew Leigh, 20 ways to Manage Better

If you liked this article, please bookmark it on Delicious or share on Twitter. Thanks, friends. Follow us on Twitter
We don't recommend any other guide than our very own The Success Manual - Encyclopedia of advice to 130 most important skills.


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

DOING Manuals


The AI Proof Career

Future-proof your work in the AI age.


31 Days to Escaping Job Search Hell

Escape job search hell right out of college. Get job-ready in 31 days.