Confronting Difficult People “Hell Raisers II” – Nu Leadership Series

“If people have a basic understanding of right from wrong, possess a strong desire to better themselves and persist in there cause, they can break the chain of any negative environment.”
Dave Pelzer

Let’s examine the world of difficult people in an organization. As the leader, you think you are in control. However, you interact daily with difficult people. You want to be nice, but you know these people are only “Hell Raisers.” They stir up problems and create a negative attitude in the organization.

Is conflict good or bad? I wouldn’t conclude that conflict was good or bad. It depends on the person’s perspective. If you are the target for this conflict, it’s probably not
good (at least in the short-term). Organizational conflict is natural, however. You can find conflict anywhere…well, even in a religious institution. The Apostle Paul had to chastise the Corinth church for its division. Organ and Bateman, authors of (1991) give three causes for organizational conflict which are: a) need for joint decision-making, b) goal differences, and c) differences in perceptions.

That’s a great question. Jesus Christ is the head, and the church is the body. The body parts are interdependent. We don’t always agree. Christians should expect conflict. God rewards His people after these tests. James 1:12 reads, “Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life…” I accept the conflict (good or bad). William James was quoted as saying, “Whenever you’re in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.” As a leader, maintain a positive attitude but remember congenitally belligerents love to fight. Miller argues however that congenitally belligerent people must be stopped and not take over the organization. I’ve seen people make personal threats. Let me state this group is small but noisy. God causes us to love each other. My pastor is long-suffering about the matter. It’s a difficult situation for most leaders, however. Have you given up the fight with difficult people? Gain courage and save your organization today!

References
Miller, C. (1995). The Empowered Leader. United States of America: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Organ, D. & Bateman, T. (1991). Organizational Behavior. Homewood, IL and Boston, MA: Irwin.