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14
A PERfEct PLAcE to BE oBnoxIoUS
Many of us participate in meetings
and training sessions on a regular
basis. They can be helpful, informative,
and conducive to growing
bonds with colleagues. however,
they can also be breeding grounds
for those blatantly obnoxious individuals
who you would just like to
muzzle.
You know the type: the person
who never shuts up, disagrees with
everyone, and hogs the attention.
They’re typically oblivious to the
fact that everyone around them
wants them to shut up. But, there are
also those who are aware of what
they’re doing and thrive on being
antagonistic and annoying.
So, how can you control this kind
of person? here are a few tactful tips
that can work almost as well as a
muzzle:
Don’T rise up to their level of
obnoxiousness. You certainly don’t
want to be pegged as someone with
similar bad behavior, nor do you
want to give any ammo to the idiot
to attack you personally.
Do acknowledge them sweetly
and say things like “that’s a good
point”, “interesting that you bring
that up”, and “i understand why
you think that”. You would probably
rather gag than say such niceties,
but sometimes acknowledging them
is all they need to tone it down.
Do call for a break if they are
getting increasingly out of control
despite your attempts to rein them
in.
Based in new york, adrian Miller is the
president of adrian Miller direct Marketing,
a sales training and consulting company
that provides customized, results-driven
training programs to companies worldwide.
aMdM’s programs focus on the techniques
and skills needed for building new business
and retaining existing business, resulting in
increased ‘rOa’ (return on attention). she can
be reached at amiller@adrianmiller.com.
Do pull them aside and speak
to them privately to express your
concerns.
Do try to get them on your side
and ask for their support on certain
issues that you will be discussing in
the class.
Don’T hesitate to ask them to
leave the session if they refuse to
participate in a productive manner.
it’s an unfortunate reality of life
that there are certainly obnoxious
individuals among us. and, meetings
and training sessions can bring
out their worst behavior. however,
by beating them at their own game
and not tolerating their ego-focused
nonsense, you can effectively minimize
their ability to irritate you and
your fellow attendees.