ABSTRACT
Not everyone has a desire to play fair in conflict. Some are motivated by the power to win at all cost, or use consistent strategies that put people in a lower position. Bullying is not just a playground phenomenon; bullies can be found in our workplaces and neighborhoods. The impact of a bully or a difficult person on the victim can lead to psychological trauma and have a negative impact on careers. The characteristics of bullying and the stages in the bullying process are discussed. Strategies for improving our self-awareness of bully behaviors, including assessing our emotional reactions in the face of difficult interactions, is addressed. This chapter differentiates between difficult encounters and bullying. Sometimes difficult people are viewed as having a personality flaw, making the behavior somehow outside of their control. Four critical insights about difficult conversations are presented, along with specific strategies for dealing with difficult people.
