Dealing With Difficult People

Dealing with difficult people: The schemer
Initially, you may not recognize the schemer until they have done a considerable amount of damage. They operate secretly, which is why it can be difficult, especially as the more subtle ones will be friendly to you.

Here are some ways to spot a schemer:

• They give you a hard time by telling other people your weak points or
• bad mouthing you behind your back
• These people also seek control but adopt an undercover approach
• The personality type is not usually confrontational
• They use in jokes which only the initiated get, in order to make fun of people

Tackling difficult person number 2

• Deal with any attacks you hear straight away, head on. Snipers generally arent able to to attack head on so they do it from the side. You will catch them off guard this way.
• When you deal with the attack, try and work out what the real problem behind the situation and be ready to prove yourself differently from their analysis.
• In the case of insults, you may wish to return them, providing the situation stays light hearted. Make "in" jokes with other colleagues if you want ;)
  

Remember: Where possible, keep your actions to a minimum and alter your routine a little when the schemer is around. Don't give them anything to go on.