Dealing with Difficult Members

At least one thing that every association has in common is the need to communicate with members or certificants in a polite and professional way. We have all had to deal with contact from difficult constituents that test our patience. The ability to handle these calls and/or emails in the most positive way possible is important not only to maintain good member relations, but also to maintain staff morale.

Learning how to effectively diffuse an angry member or deal with a bullying or condescending person can reduce workplace stress significantly. To help, we’ve put together the following list of online resources for dealing with difficult people.

They all seem to point to one thing—it’s pointless to try to change them. Instead, we should focus on controlling our own reaction to their bad behavior. This is turn can influence the person’s response to us.

Dealing with Difficult People, Paddy Kutz, Executive Director, Mental Health Association of Licking County

Dealing with Difficult People, Association Management

How to Deal With Difficult People Part 2 - The Bully, Dr. Tony Fiore, EzineArticles

Focusing on the “Problem” Person, We Have Always Done It That Way blog

Don’t Be Afraid of Conflict, We Have Always Done It That Way blog