Other encounters of a strange kind!

During the holiday season we can encounter some pretty difficult people.  Some of these people we know and work with on a regular basis.  Most employees are juggling extra duties during the holidays – you may be short staffed, due to folks taking their last “use it or lose it” vacation times.  Add to that, shopping, cooking, coordinating children’s activities, decorating, long lines, crowded conditions and traffic.  Is it any wonder people are difficult?  Here are some tips to help you.

Staff members

Tip 1:  Unusual.  When the behavior is different than you usually see and it can’t be ignored, it’s time to have a private talk.  Are you getting uncomfortable thinking about talking to him/her?  If you are, you really need to talk to that person.  If you’re uncomfortable, how do you think everyone else feels?  You’re here to take care of the tough stuff.

The conversation can go something like this:  “Sarah, I’ve noticed that you’ve [fill in what you’ve observed].  The next few weeks may be stressful to many of us.  When you [fill in what you’ve observed] it can be difficult for everyone around you.  Is there something you can do about this?”

Just bringing up an unusual occurrence can stop the behavior.

Tip 2:  Unusual 2.  When the behavior is different than you usually see and it can be ignored – ignore it.  Ask yourself if the behavior is hindering work or the work of others.  Keep tabs on the behavior – it may resolve itself after the holiday season.

Your boss

Bosses are people too.  They have the same pressures everyone else has.  They may also have the added pressure of wanting to accommodate many requests made by staff members.  They need to keep the work flowing while juggling requests for time off.  Each staff member might think, what’s the big deal?  It becomes a big deal when there is work with no workers.  It is also hard to turn down requests.

Tip 1:  Saying “no”.   Understand that bosses would love to say “yes” all the time.  Saying yes is an energy boost.  Saying no is an energy drain.  It’s easy to forget when we want something.  When you hear no, accept it and thank your boss for their consideration.

Tip 2:  Extra care.  During this stressful time, be extra kind and understanding.  If you can, offer to take on an extra duty or two.  Lend an empathetic ear to the stress.  Rather than looking for what’s in it for me – see what you can do for others.  A calm demeanor will go a long way in reducing the stress of others around you.

What tips do you use when dealing with employees or your boss?  Does the atmosphere change in your workplace during the holidays?  Share your thoughts below.

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