This month is the fourth installment in the series of articles that have been appearing in the newsletters this year. This series of articles contains tips and ways to cope with difficult people in your association.
Development of an operating procedure and practiced techniques for dealing with a difficult member can be beneficial. It can head off problems that may occur just by virtue of a standard procedure for handling a specific issue. Sometimes having some training on how to deal with anger issues in others can help.
Proper use of communication skills to deal with combative personalities is essential. It is important to consider that a person who is angry and combative may not necessarily respond to logical arguments. Instead, using communication to diffuse the person’s anger can provide a way for the owner and the association both to back down, save face and perhaps reach a more amicable solution later. Practice opportunities can also help board members hone their communication skills in this manner.