Winning With Difficult People

Winning With Difficult People

Transform Challenging Interactions into Cooperative Workplace Relationships

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Platform:
Online
In-class
Revised and Updated: 29 September 2026
Date Venue Duration
17 December 2026 Live/Online 1 Day

Course Introduction

Discover strategies to transform your interactions with difficult people from conflicts to cooperative relationships. Workplace conflict remains on the rise, driven by hybrid working, generational differences and increased pressure on teams, making the ability to manage difficult behaviour constructively more valuable than ever. This Prospen Africa Winning with Difficult People workshop will provide tools for understanding, managing, and influencing challenging behaviour effectively at the workplace.

Course Objectives

Participants will learn to:

  • Diagnose the root causes of difficult behaviour
  • Develop approaches to manage challenging interactions
  • Understand and categorise types of behaviour
  • Strategise on handling passive and aggressive tendencies
  • Resolve workplace conflicts constructively
  • Recognise and adapt to different attitudes
  • Manage stress and maintain composure in tense situations

Who should attend?

This Winning with Difficult People workshop is ideal for Managers, Supervisors, and Executives across all sectors who encounter challenging behaviour in their teams or among colleagues.

Soft Skills Courses

Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

Module 1: Understanding Challenging Dynamics
  • Introduction: Setting the stage for the day’s objectives.
  • Challenging Others: Identifying what makes people difficult.
  • Diversity and Division: Exploring the impact of diverse personalities and viewpoints.
  • The Relationship Spectrum: Assessing relationships from cooperative to challenging.
  • Reflection: Personal reflection on experiences with difficult individuals.

Module 2: Self-Analysis and Response
  • Self-Profile: Understanding one’s own triggers and responses.
  • Reaction Strategies: Crafting effective responses to difficult behaviour.
  • Reflection: Evaluating personal growth opportunities.

Module 3: Mastering Communication
  • Behavioural Patterns: Recognising and dealing with passive and aggressive behaviours.
  • Assertive Responses: Developing assertiveness for constructive communication.
  • Reflection: Assessing communication strengths and areas for improvement.

Module 4: Addressing Specific Behaviours
  • Behavioural Challenges: Strategies for dealing with bullies, discriminators, and gossipers.
  • Behavioural Strategies: Tailored approaches for specific challenging behaviours.
  • Reflection: Analysing past encounters and preparing for future ones.

Module 5: Management Dynamics
  • Reasonable Action: Defining and understanding reasonable management action.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Leveraging EQ to manage difficult managers.
  • Reflection: Insights into personal management style and its impact.

Module 6: Strategies for Self-Preservation
  • Stress Indicators: Learning to recognise and monitor signs of stress.
  • Support Systems: Finding and utilising allies and mentors.
  • Coping Mechanisms: Practical tips for everyday interactions with challenging people.
  • Reflection: Personal stress management techniques.

Module 7: Action Planning
  • Creating a Personal Action Plan: Developing a tailored strategy for applying workshop learnings to real-world situations.

Course Enhancements

  • Interactive Activities: Role-playing exercises and group discussions to practise techniques.
  • Personalised Feedback: Opportunities for individual feedback from the facilitator.
  • Resource Kit: A takeaway package including tip sheets, quick reference cards, and a reading list for further learning.

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Success Stories

Discover how our courses enhance professionals’ effectiveness in their workplaces.

Northam Booysendal

Advanced Business and Report writing skills Training

The training facilitator started the training with a quote that captivated my attention from the start. The way he spoke and the examples he used were very important to me in general and in the training. The training was set in a way that I could understand the key points of effective Report Writing. The training was of such etiquette that anyone would be able to understand and implement what was learned. Thank you, Rock - Your course was amazing and your style for training is next level.

FAQs – Winning With Difficult People

Learn practical strategies for dealing with difficult people, covering communication, emotional intelligence, conflict management, boundaries, relationship building, and effective workplace interactions.

What is covered in the Winning With Difficult People training?
The training covers challenging behaviour, self-awareness, communication, assertiveness, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, stress management, and strategies for managing difficult workplace interactions.
Who should attend the Winning With Difficult People course?
The workshop is designed for managers, supervisors, and executives across sectors who regularly encounter challenging behaviour within their teams or workplace relationships.
Does the course cover different types of difficult behaviour?
Yes. Participants explore behavioural patterns and strategies for dealing with passive and aggressive behaviour, bullying, discrimination, gossip, difficult attitudes, and other challenging workplace behaviours.
Does the Winning With Difficult People course cover assertive communication?
Yes. The programme develops assertive communication skills and practical response strategies to help participants manage difficult interactions constructively while maintaining professional relationships.
Does the training cover stress management when dealing with difficult people?
Yes. Participants learn to recognise stress indicators, develop coping mechanisms, maintain composure during tense situations, and identify appropriate support systems such as allies and mentors.
Does the Winning With Difficult People training include practical exercises?
Yes. The workshop includes group work, case studies, role-play, practical scenarios, reflection activities, personalised feedback, and action planning for applying the skills in the workplace.

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