Last updated on Jun 25, 2025

You’re dealing with a difficult person at work. What can you do to make the situation better?

We all encounter difficult people at work, whether they are rude, uncooperative, passive-aggressive, or simply annoying. Dealing with them can be stressful and frustrating, but it can also affect your productivity, performance, and reputation. How can you make the situation better without losing your sanity or compromising your values? Here are some tips to help you handle difficult people at work with skill and confidence.

1 Identify the problem

The first step to resolving any conflict is to understand what is causing it. Is the difficult person acting out of fear, insecurity, anger, or misunderstanding? Are they under pressure, stressed, or unhappy? Are they unaware of how their behavior affects others, or do they have a different work style or expectation? Try to see the situation from their perspective and identify the root of the problem. This will help you avoid taking things personally and prepare you for the next step.

Add your perspective

Sultan Abbas

Regional Head, Poverty Elimination Progrmme, SJDA (AKDN)
Report contribution
People are born different so they cannot be alike or think and do alike. The basic question is this case is that what's the meaning of being difficult? Once we get answers to this basic question the next question is why the person is creating difficulties? Is it due to miscommunication, unfair treatment or any other reason on part of the supervisor/organization. If this is the case a supervisor can assess his communication and ensure fairness and transparency in all matters. But if the person is consistently difficult for no reason and all sincere efforts have already gone waste, then the employee should be asked to submit a weekly plans with deadlines and the consequence of non compliance to be clearly communicated.

Like
Anyatra Singh

Sr. Business Development Analyst @ Threecolts | Driving eCommerce Growth
Report contribution
When dealing with a difficult person at work, the best approach is to stay calm, professional, and focused on the bigger picture. I would start by actively listening to understand their perspective, as sometimes frustration stems from feeling unheard. It's important to communicate clearly, set boundaries if needed, and avoid getting emotionally drawn into negativity. If the situation persists, I would try to find common ground and, where possible, collaborate on solutions rather than focusing on the conflict itself. If it impacts work significantly, I wouldn’t hesitate to involve a manager or HR in a constructive, solution-oriented manner.

Like
Patrícia Nascimento

General lawyer, corporate law, risks, compliance
Report contribution
Um fato sobre pessoas difíceis é que normalmente elas tiverem essa comportamento validado durante a vida, e entendem que ser vulnerável, gentil ou diplomático não são qualidades estimadas no ambiente de trabalho e sim fraquezas! Para a pessoa difícil, autoritarismo, postura beligerante e excesso de agressividade demonstram uma força e autoridade no ambiente de trabalho, assim, as pessoas difíceis se revestem dessa armadura a fim de passar uma impressão equivocada de capacidade, eficiência e até um ar de importância. Porém, cada vez mais o ambiente de trabalho exige dos profissionais uma postura "easy going" aquele profissional que é "fácil de lidar" mas que também mantém suas opiniões de uma forma assertiva e não agressiva.

Translated

Like
Ankita Gaikwad

3+ Years of Building Trust & Driving Results Connector. Problem Solver. Relationship Builder
Report contribution
I would rather ignore that person . We should stay focused on our job role In organisation you are getting paid for work and you are growing for yourself so just don’t entertain any negativity coming your way

Like
Bruno Boni

IT Manager | COE Salesforce | Application Architect | 5x Salesforce Certifiedl
Report contribution
Quando lidamos com pessoas, precisamos entender que cada ser humano é único e carrega consigo toda bagagem adquirida na trajetória até o momento presente. Entendendo isso podemos discernir melhor se aquelas características que a tornam uma pessoa difícil são influências do ambiente, do trabalho ou algum agente externo, ou um problema pessoal que precisa ser endereçado. É importante entendermos isso para melhor auxiliar a encontrar formas de resolver.

Translated

Like

Load more contributions

2 Communicate effectively

The second step to resolving any conflict is to communicate clearly and respectfully. Avoid avoiding, ignoring, or avoiding the difficult person, as this can make things worse. Instead, approach them in a calm and constructive manner, and express your concerns and needs without blaming or attacking them. Use "I" statements instead of "you" statements, and focus on the facts and the impact of their behavior, not their personality or motives. Listen actively to their point of view, and acknowledge their feelings and opinions. Try to find common ground and mutual interests, and avoid assumptions and judgments.

Add your perspective

Rochelle Slaffa

20 years of Quality, Risk and Compliance |Business Efficiency | Regulatory Affairs
Report contribution
Empathy. I've noticed that these people have not reached a level of understanding due to past experiences or internal conflict. You cannot change them, but you can control how you react. Avoid getting baited into arguments where they anticipate you giving your energy. A quick "I'm sorry you feel that way, or "I know where you come from", forces validation and saves your energy.

Like
Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

representante legal y propietario..
Report contribution
Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

Translated

Like
André Zana

Desenvolvedor Full Stack | Desenvolvedor Back-end | Desenvolvedor Front-end | DevOps | Analista de Dados | Engenheiro de Dados | Analista de Sistemas | Analista de Business Intelligence
Report contribution
Uma coisa que achei interessante é que lidar com pessoas difíceis no trabalho exige calma, profissionalismo e compreensão. Muitas vezes, o comportamento difícil vem de experiências passadas onde a agressividade foi valorizada. É crucial ouvir ativamente, comunicar-se claramente, estabelecer limites e buscar soluções colaborativas. Se a situação não melhorar, mesmo após esforços sinceros, pode ser necessário envolver a gerência ou o RH para uma resolução construtiva.

Translated

Like

3 Seek solutions

The third step to resolving any conflict is to seek solutions that benefit both parties. Don't expect the difficult person to change overnight, or to agree with everything you say. Instead, aim for a win-win outcome, where both of you feel heard, respected, and satisfied. Brainstorm ideas together, and be open to compromise and feedback. Set clear and realistic expectations and boundaries, and follow up on the progress and results. If possible, involve a third party, such as a manager or a mediator, to facilitate the process and ensure fairness and accountability.

Add your perspective

4 Manage your emotions

The fourth step to resolving any conflict is to manage your emotions and reactions. Dealing with a difficult person can trigger negative emotions, such as anger, frustration, anxiety, or resentment. These emotions can cloud your judgment, impair your communication, and escalate the conflict. To prevent this, you need to practice self-awareness and self-regulation. Recognize your triggers and signs of stress, and take a break or a deep breath when you feel overwhelmed. Use positive coping strategies, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, to release tension and restore your energy. Seek support from others, such as friends, family, or colleagues, who can offer you advice, empathy, or perspective.

Add your perspective

Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

representante legal y propietario..
Report contribution
Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

Translated

Like

5 Maintain professionalism

The fifth step to resolving any conflict is to maintain professionalism and integrity. Don't let the difficult person affect your work quality, ethics, or standards. Keep your focus on your goals and responsibilities, and deliver your best results. Don't gossip, complain, or badmouth the difficult person, as this can damage your reputation and credibility. Don't retaliate, provoke, or escalate the conflict, as this can harm your relationship and career. Instead, be respectful, courteous, and cooperative, and show that you are a mature and competent professional.

Add your perspective

Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

representante legal y propietario..
Report contribution
Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

Translated

Like

6 Learn and grow

The sixth and final step to resolving any conflict is to learn and grow from the experience. Dealing with a difficult person can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity to develop your skills, knowledge, and character. Reflect on what you learned from the situation, and how you can apply it to future scenarios. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and seek feedback and improvement. Appreciate the diversity and complexity of human behavior, and cultivate empathy and compassion. Celebrate your achievements and successes, and reward yourself for your efforts.

Add your perspective

Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

representante legal y propietario..
Report contribution
Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

Translated

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

MOHAMMAD SHAHNAWAZ

Senior Document Controller @ MAADEN Project | Working with ACONEX
Report contribution
To improve a difficult work situation, focus on staying calm, understanding the other person's perspective, and setting clear boundaries. Consider seeking support from a supervisor or trusted colleague. If the situation persists, explore conflict resolution techniques and try to find common ground. When faced with a difficult person, maintaining composure is crucial. Avoid reacting emotionally, as this can escalate the situation. Take deep breaths and approach the issue calmly and professionally.Try to understand the other person's perspective, even if you disagree. Truly listening can help diffuse tension and foster a more productive environment.Clearly communicate your boundaries and expectations to the difficult person.

Like
Julio Humberto Andaur Moya

representante legal y propietario..
Report contribution
Programa de integración y formación de empleos vocacionales Inscripciones abiertas ahora Perfil de la personalidad solamente CL $25000 (US $30) #orientacioneducacionaldocentespa #orientadoreducacionaldocentespa Juntos en la inclusión educativa social Reflexiones sobre la luz en las tinieblas Aprender a ayudar en la vocación de servicio Julioandaurmoya@gmail.com NIVELES DE ACCESO : 1 PERFIL DE LA PERSONALIDAD 2 CAPACITACIÓN 3 EMPLEO EN EL ÁREA TE ESPERAMOS PACIENTEMENTE EN SAN ANTONIO PUERTO CHILE PLANIFICAR Y HACER CONFIANZA CURSOS PARA EL EMPLEO INCLUSIÓN DE LA EXCLUSIÓN ACCESO A LA ATENCIÓN PRESENCIAL Y ON LINE

Translated

Like

You’re dealing with a difficult person at work. What can you do to make the situation better?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the problem

2 Communicate effectively

3 Seek solutions

4 Manage your emotions

5 Maintain professionalism

6 Learn and grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conflict Resolution

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Conflict Resolution

You’re dealing with a difficult person at work. What can you do to make the situation better?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the problem

2 Communicate effectively

3 Seek solutions

4 Manage your emotions

5 Maintain professionalism

6 Learn and grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conflict Resolution

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills