Dealing with challenging individuals can be tough. Check out these six books that offer strategies for managing difficult people.
Navigating tense interactions with difficult people can leave you feeling rattled, especially in the workplace. But fear not! I've compiled a list of top books recommended by professionals to help you communicate better, manage conflicts, and even develop empathy.
- HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE (DALE CARNEGIE)
In this timeless advice book, first published in 1936, Carnegie shares practical tips and strategies for easing tensions and eliminating noxious behavior. He also helps you become more receptive to feedback by admitting your own mistakes first. NYU social psychology professor and author, Jonathan Haidt, found this book invaluable for teaching conflict resolution and empathy.
- WHY WON'T YOU APOLOGIZE? (HARRIET LERNER)
Dr. Lerner's renowned work delves into the art of effective, sincere apologies for mending even strained relationships. It also offers insight into why some people overapologize or find it difficult to say "I'm sorry". Professor emeritus of family social science at the University of Minnesota, William Doherty, recommends this book for its detailed guidance on repairing relationship rifts.
- THE ASSHOLE SURVIVAL GUIDE (ROBERT I SUTTON)
Dr. Sutton's 2017 follow-up to his popular organizational psychology bestseller offers practical tips and strategies for coping with demeaning and disrespectful individuals. You'll learn to use humor to maintain your sanity, record evidence of harassment, and assert your boundaries. Organizational psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, Adam Grant, highly recommends this book for dealing with abusive bosses, colleagues, and clients.
- THE DEFINING DECADE (MEG JAY)
In this compelling book, Dr. Jay reveals the importance of the 20s as a critical period for personal and professional development. Young adults who tend to avoid challenging situations with difficult people miss out on crucial opportunities to grow emotionally resilient and confident.
- DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS (DOUGLAS STONE, BRUCE PATTON, SHEILA HEEN)
This bestseller dives deep into the complexities of personal and professional disagreements. It provides an effective framework for engaging in difficult conversations, fostering trust, and improving relationships.
- THE ART OF POSSIBILITY (ROSAMUND STONE ZANDER, BENJAMIN ZANDER)
This innovative book provides practical guidance on achieving personal and professional fulfillment by shifting perspectives and fostering a sense of generosity. It encourages empathy and offers advice on improving challenging relationships to lead a more satisfying life.
- "The benefits of reading Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen's 'Difficult Conversations' extend beyond the workplace, providing a comprehensive approach to navigating complex personal disagreements as well."
- "In Robert I Sutton's 'The Asshole Survival Guide,' he offers insights on documenting instances of disrespectful behavior from colleagues, a strategy that can help protect your lifestyle and professional reputation."
- "When it comes to fashion-and-beauty or entertainment, Bramson might not be an expert, but for professional growth, he highly recommends the practical advice in 'The Art of Possibility' by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander."
- "Harriet Lerner's 'Why Won't You Apologize?' and Dale Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' are must-read books for anyone struggling to communicate effectively with difficult people, offering vital strategies for personal and professional development."
- "For those in their twenties, Meg Jay's 'The Defining Decade' underscores the overwhelming significance of this period for building emotional resilience and confidence through confronting difficult people and situations."
