Dealing With Difficult People… Can You?


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“Dorice, how can we handle difficult people and challenging situations?†This question is one that many people grapple with. It’s essential for both individual and organizational success to address this issue effectively. In my recent coaching session with a group of 14 leaders, I identified seven key strategies for managing difficult people and navigating challenging situations. Curious about what they are? Here’s a brief overview, and you can explore the full blog published in AdviseHer magazine from WIFS for more insights.

  1. Be Aware of Your Own Judgment: Avoid letting thoughts like “They are wrong,†“They are so negative,†or “They are mistaken†influence your reactions. Don’t let others’ actions trigger your own saboteurs.
  2. Understand the Contagion Effect: Recognize how one person’s negativity can affect the entire group. Indeed, you have the power to either uplift others or bring them down. Choose to maintain a positive impact and build mental fitness to sustain it.
  3. Be Laser Focused on Your Goals: Stay focused on what you want to achieve when dealing with difficult people. Clearly communicate your goals and do so without judgment.
  4. Find the 10 Percent That They Are Right: Every challenging conversation offers room for growth. Identify where you can learn or improve, even in difficult interactions.
  5. Speak About Your Own Experience: Share how Positive Intelligence or other impactful modalities have influenced your life. By doing so, you become a role model for others.
  6. Transition to “Accept or Convertâ€: Sometimes, changing the situation isn’t possible. Therefore, learn to accept the current reality and decide whether to convert the situation or your feelings about it.
  7. Be the Example You Want to See: Our world needs positive role models. Be the sage and lead by example.

As always,

Be Yourself, Be Positive, Be the Champion you want to see!

About Dorice Horenstein

Dorice Horenstein is an internationally recognized resilience speaker, known as the “Oy to Joy Resilience Speaker,” specializing in Positive Intelligence. With extensive experience in education and a deep understanding of human potential, Dorice helps individuals and organizations unlock their inner strength and thrive amidst challenges.

For more information about Dorice’s speaking engagements and how she can contribute to your next event, visit her Speaking Engagements page.

Dorice Horenstein

Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Champion Catalyst Speaker, transforms Disconnection to Engagment and tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.

Dorice is a dynamic speaker whose energy and charisma have a global impact. Her core superpower is her ability to present, train, and coach effectively. She redefines “T.E.A.M.” as “Together Everyone’s Attributes are Magnified,” inspiring others to recognize their strengths, enhance effectiveness, and joyfully step into their destined leadership roles. Her mission is to cultivate healthy, positive relationships that reduce stress, increase retention rates, and create a more positive culture both at work and at home.