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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
Health & Spirituality

Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

Do you have any suggestions for coping with an unpleasant person on a power trip? I deal with such a person at my work.

Answer

Difficult people are usually insecure people needing to play power games to shore up their sagging egos. Sort of like playground bullies grown up. Here are some suggestions for coping:

  1. Detach. Recognize that you have no control over this person so don't expend energy trying to get them to change.

  2. Deal with this person only when necessary. Keep communication simple and as clear as possible, focused on tasks.

  3. Know your boundaries. Do not feel that you have to put up with verbal abuse and/or harassment. Document such behavior and communicate it to the appropriate supervisor.

  4. If you are spiritual or religious in any way, prayer for this person can never hurt.

3/7/99

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