Navigating the Minefield of “Difficult People”
Welcome to “Difficult People,” the latest unit in your Peacemakers 101 journey! Prepare to dive into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) world of personalities in conflict.
This six-video series equips you with the tools to navigate the terrain of clashing temperaments and communication roadblocks. Let’s clarify terms before we set foot:
Different vs. Difficult Personalities: Not everyone we find challenging is “difficult.” Some personalities simply don’t mesh. Here, we’ll learn to recognize and appreciate these inherent differences without resorting to labels.
The Myers-Briggs Typology: Understanding the four basic typologies – Introvert/Extrovert, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, Judging/Perceiving – helps us decode communication styles and potential clash points.
The Bully: We’ll dissect the bully’s playbook, learning to identify verbal and non-verbal bullying tactics and build defenses against them.
The Passive-Aggressive Person: Ever encountered someone who says “everything’s fine” with a clenched jaw? We’ll unravel the passive-aggressive personality, its conflict cycle, and strategies for addressing it.
Narcissists: From subtle manipulation to grandiose delusions, we’ll explore the complex world of narcissism and equip ourselves for interactions with its sufferers.
But wait, there’s more! We’ll move beyond understanding difficult people to mastering the art of peacemaking. Here’s a taste of what we’ll cover:
- Peacemaking Approaches: Discover a toolbox of techniques to diffuse tension, encourage open communication, and find common ground.
- Neutrality Matters: Learn how to stay impartial, foster trust, and create a safe space for dialogue.
- Giving Voice to All: We’ll explore why equal participation is crucial for conflict resolution and how to ensure everyone feels heard.
- The Direct Approach: Master the art of clear, assertive communication while maintaining respect and empathy.
- Owning Our Side of the Street: Take responsibility for your words and actions, fostering accountability and moving towards mutual understanding.
Ready to transform frustrating encounters into opportunities for growth and connection? Enroll in “Difficult People” and unlock the potential for peaceful interactions, even with the most challenging personalities. Let’s embark on this journey together, because remember, peacemaking isn’t just about resolving conflict, it’s about building bridges.
See you on the other side!
Learning Objectives
- Explain the difference between different versus difficult personalities.
- Explain the four typologies of the Myers – Briggs personality types.
- Know the definition and characteristics of a bully.
- Outline and explain five types of verbal abuse.
- Know the definition and characteristics of a passive-aggressive individual.
- Explain the conflict cycle of a passive-aggressive individual.
- Know the definition of narcissism and describe the characteristics of this disorder.
- Be able to describe various peacemaking approaches to difficult people.
- Understand the importance of neutrality in peacemaking.
- Explain why it is essential to give all participants a voice in a dispute.
- Explain the importance of the Direct Approach
- Explain the importance of “Owning our side of the street.”