There are a lot of great, friendly, and fun people to do business with in America. But for some reason, there also seems to be a small group that delights in agitating, debating, and instigating trouble at every step. It seems as if their goal in life is to push your buttons, belittle your company, find fault with your products and services, and tell you that your competitors are better than you are. The secret is not to let these people get to you. After all, if you don't want them to get your goat, don't let them know where it's tied.
ACTION ITEM
Find a book about dealing with difficult people. Read it, and teach the techniques to your staff.
The best time to deal with agitators is before you encounter them. Start by making a decision that you are not going to react instinctively. Instead, decide how to prepare and respond to these doom-and-gloom people. Learn to harmonize with their objections and tell them that you can understand their feelings. If they know how to push your buttons, they'll just continue to do it. If they don't know what sends you into orbit, they'll just give up and stop agitating you—and pick on someone else.