Dealing with difficult people at work and home and using timeouts was also discussed in a previous dealing with difficult people blog post. So make sure you read that post first. But the question now is how many timeouts do you need to take when interacting directly and dealing with people who find difficult?
THE ANSWER FOR YOU IN USING TIMEOUTS IS EXACTLY THIS
The answer is as many as you need. Whenever you need to break the communication cycle because you are feeling your emotions going out of control, then remove yourself from that interaction.
Always remember the timeout is for you to calm down, re-evaluate and re-think how you’re going to respond and how to handle this difficult person when you return.
DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE AT WORK AND HOME WITH TIMEOUT
By claiming this timeout you’re in reality breaking a destructive communication cycle. This is a really powerful strategy in how to handle difficult people. All too often we stay in the emotional battle and destructive communication, when a timeout will help you to recover the emotional control you require. You need this emotional control so that you’ll be calmer, more settled and more capable in dealing with this upsetting, annoying, irritating and frustrating person.
IN CHARGE OF YOUR EMOTIONS IN COPING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
Learning how to have control your emotions when dealing with people and particularly when you deal with difficult people isn’t easy and can take lots of practice. But begin by accepting that your emotions are involved. Then use the timeout strategy whenever you feel the need when interacting directly with difficult people. You’re now well on your way to you ruling your emotions, instead of your emotions ruling you.
HELPING IN DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE AT WORK OR HOME
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