From the course: Tips to Work with Difficult People

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Set yourself up for success with reactive colleagues

Set yourself up for success with reactive colleagues

From the course: Tips to Work with Difficult People

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Set yourself up for success with reactive colleagues

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- Working with reactive colleagues can put you on edge. You don't want to say or do the wrong thing, but sometimes all the reactive person needs is some processing time. Here's how to give people the time and information they need to show up as their best selves. If you're setting up a meeting with someone, send an agenda in advance. If there are specific things you hope they'll do or think about beforehand, call that out clearly. If you're making a decision with someone, share context before requesting action. Break big asks into smaller, more manageable tasks and set clear but flexible timelines. If you disagree with the choices someone has made, consider sending feedback in writing to give them time to sit with it. Use tentative language like, I'm thinking about suggesting X, but wanted your perspective first. And if you need to have a tough conversation with someone, always let them opt in. You can say, I'd like to share my thoughts, when would be a good time for you? Time to…

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