Bullies, Tyrants, and Impossible People: How to Beat Them Without Joining Them
Following up onThe Power of Nice, agent-attorney Shapiro and fellow negotiator Jankowski reiterate that book's tenets: Neutralize your emotions and stay rational; Identify the type of difficult person; Control the encounter; and Explore options. Using examples from their own lives as well as pop culture, they offer anecdotes and tips for analysis. The "situationally difficult" person may be temporarily overreacting, so empathy can be a sure road to cordial defusion. The "strategically difficult" are calculating (passive-aggressive, take it or leave it, etc.), but can be countered if you pleasantly, even humorously make them aware you're onto their game. The "simply difficult," using power as an imperative (irrational, bullying, duplicitous, etc.) are the toughest, but those facing them must recognize their own power—including the option to just walk away, a decision that must be approached carefully. While the title may be the best thing about the book, its tips on steering toward win-win situations are more than plausible.(June)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.