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:
- Detach. Recognize that you have no control over this person so don't expend
energy trying to get them to change.
- Deal with this person only when necessary. Keep communication simple and as
clear as possible, focused on tasks.
- 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.
- If you are spiritual or religious in any way, prayer for this person can
never hurt.
3/7/99
Back
|