Contents

Acknowledgments

Part One: What You Need to Know

Why Address Difficult People

Top Seven Imperatives of Communicating with Difficult People

Part Two: Perfect Phrases for Communicating with Difficult Coworkers

Unfriendly Coworkers

Coworkers Who Withhold

Petty and Gossipy Coworkers

Argumentative People

Loud and Obnoxious Coworkers

Negative Coworkers

When That Negative, Angry, or Difficult Employee Is You

Part Three: Perfect Phrases for Communicating with Difficult Bosses

Bully Bosses

Unfocused and Forgetful Bosses

Distant, Weak, or Hands-Off Bosses

How to Ask for an Overdo Promotion or Raise

Micromanagers

How to Correct Your Boss’s Mistakes

How to Get a Letter of Recommendation from a Reluctant Boss

How to Say Good-bye to a Problem Boss—Without Burning Bridges

Part Four: Perfect Phrases for Communicating with Difficult Employees

Complainers

How to Address Inappropriate Behavior, Dress, or Hygiene

Employees Who Spread Rumors

Lazy or Lethargic Employees

Passive-Aggressive Employees

Angry Employees

Stuck-in-the-Box Performers

How to Settle Disputes Between Employees

How to Motivate Employees Who Resist Change

Part Five: Perfect Phrases for Communicating with Difficult Customers

Angry Customers

Antsy and Anxious Customers

How to Help Customers Adapt to Changes

How to Resolve Billing Problems with Customers

How to Manage Demanding Customers

Part Six: Perfect Phrasesfor Communicating with Difficult Vendors and Employees from Other Departments

How to Control a Coworker from Another Department in a Meeting with Customers

Difficult Contractors

Difficult Vendors and Suppliers

How to Negotiate Finances with Difficult Vendors and Contractors

Disruptive Participants in Presentations