Developing Leadership Abilities

Set Aside the Easy Answers

Beware of anyone who wants to whisper into your ear “the secret” of relating to difficult team members. Each person (as you know too well) is highly individualistic, even quirky. There’s no magic phrase or single relationship formula for “difficult” people. However, you can prepare yourself and your organization for increased success with difficult individuals by thinking through the various obstacles that get in the way of your intended relationship with them. By understanding difficult team members more deeply, you can adapt to them more successfully and less stressfully. In short, you can be a skilled leader.

Your Turn Omitting names, describe difficulties you have faced in working with a particular team member. ...