What would cause someone to be labeled “difficult”?

This topic came out of the conversation where I asked “How do you deal with difficult people? (https://youtu.be/q83cXRIYkBI)

 

Karen Loomis and I have both been called difficult on more than one occasion. Interestingly, Frank Galindo and Jim Tam never have.

 

Karen started this conversation off by saying she has been called difficult when she doesn’t go along and just accept what someone else is saying or demanding. Challenging someone or pushing back on something will cause her to get labeled.

 

Jim agreed and said there is also something about intention. You wouldn’t call someone difficult who is pushing you to help you become better (you might use the word “tough” – which is interesting to think about).

 

Frank brought up the word “compromise.” If you are trying to negotiate with someone and they simply aren’t willing to work with you, you might call them difficult. 

 

I shared that medical professionals have called me difficult (I’m pretty sure it’s on my chart) for asking questions. Is that because they are so overly confident that they don’t think I should be asking them questions (Just do what I’m told) or are they so not confident that they are afraid that they can’t answer my questions?

 

Interestingly, when a doctor has labeled me difficult, I usually think they are being difficult too.

 

Near the end of the conversation, I asked the panel what they do when they realize they are being difficult. How do they back out of that?

 

What would cause you to label someone difficult and/or when have you been given that label?

 

Connect with the panelists:

Jim Tam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtam/

Is a Principal Client Director with Korn Ferry’s Digital group where he advises organizations on how to improve their sales effectiveness through using world-class sales methodology and technology.

 

Francisco "Frank" Galindo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgalindo-mba/

He has 20 years of experience working in PR where he enjoys bringing people together and creating partnership relationships. He is in the US.

 

Karen Loomis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kloomis/

Founder at No Moss Brands. 20 years as a marketing and branding professional. Adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University.  She is passionate about social change.    

 

Dr Robyn Odegaard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/

AKA Mental MacGyver. My doctorate is in organizational business psychology with a concentration in sport and performance. I provide luxury level, high performance support and coaching to executives, founders, celebrities and athletes.

 

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#QuickHits are designed to exercise your brain by letting you listen in on an unscripted conversation to get other people's thoughts on pertinent subjects. If you would like to join a conversation or have a topic you would like to hear discussed, please message me. https://www.MentalMacGyver.com