 |
||
 |
||
|
|
||
Management and Human Resources
|
|
Six Ways to Succeed with Crankpotsby Bill Lampton, Ph.D.
We have trouble pleasing crankpots. Communication becomes difficult, and at times impossible. That's why I am going to offer six ways to succeed with the disgruntled ones. These strategies worked very well for me during twenty-three years of management, and I still find them useful: ONE: Make sure most of your communication with crankpots happens face-to-face. Crankpots are prone to misinterpret E-mails and phone conversations. They make misguided assumptions, because you are not there to reinforce your message through your posture, gestures, and facial expression. Many times, you will prevent escalation of problems by saying, "I appreciate your call. I suggest we meet for a few minutes to continue our discussion." "But," you may wonder, "doesn't this take more time?" In the short run, yes, but in the long run no--because you will save time by reaching agreement sooner and forming a mutually satisfactory plan with specific action steps. TWO: Never try to change the crankpot. Trying to alter their communication style will frustrate you, and anger them. Instead, adjust to their style. If they expect highly detailed reports, forget about breaking the ice with jokes or chit chat about sports. Prepare those intricate reports and move along to your next task. THREE: Become a keen listener, giving full attention to the crankpot every time. One reason this person may be so cranky is because he or she lacks social skills, and may feel lonely. Say, "Please tell me how you came to your decision, so I can understand it fully." Suddenly, you change from enemy to ally. Truly, you can listen your way to a meaningful partnership. FOUR: Don't take their harsh words and grating behavior personally. Remember, they are not singling you out. They treat everybody that way, as long as they can get by with their abrasive approach FIVE: When conversation becomes confrontation, use this strategy: "Could we schedule a time to talk about this issue tomorrow? I think we will benefit by thinking about the problem individually overnight." A respite from verbal jousting often creates a more favorable climate for negotiation. SIX: Arrange to meet with the crankpot in your locale. In his domain, he is likely to act more domineering. In yours, she has less likelihood of feeling she commands the turf. If there is a home field advantage in sports, the same holds true for the business world. Bill Lampton, Ph.D., helps organizations improve their communication, motivation, sales and customer service. His speeches, seminars, consulting and coaching share the advice included in his book, The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life! Visit his Web site and sign up for his complimentary monthly newsletter: http://www.ChampionshipCommunication.com. Call Dr. Lampton at 770-534-3425.
|
|
The
workplace harbors an abundance of crankpots--people who wouldn't know a smiley
face if they saw one. Certainly they couldn't join the Optimist Club. They
remind me of a character in the comic strip Li'l Abner, who went everywhere with
a dark cloud over his head. Now and then, thunder rumbled and lightning struck.
Sound familiar? 
