ARTICLE | Handling Difficult People, Type 1: The Disorganized

Mental note, never complain. Look at difficult situations as opportunities to grow. If you are able to manage these difficulties, you will achieve a much deserved reward.

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How can you handle people who are disorganized and keep changing mind at the last minute?

There is no hard and fast rule in handling people who are disorganized and keep changing decisions at the last minute. This behavior is triggered by several factors but mainly - people who are not able to make up their mind are usually swamped in a pool of distractions. They attempt to multi-task and tick off their to-do list but sending out vague and ambiguous messages just so they can have a semblance of control.

It is not necessarily bad that these people are not firm about their life-decisions. It just so happens that they do not have the luxury of time to become precise and direct to the point.

What can be done?

Always think from the perspective of the disorganized person. Consider where they are coming from. What is triggering their indecisiveness? Where can you draw the line? How can you intervene?

A lot of times, the disorganized person is not aware of their behavior. They feel that it is normal to disrupt the process of others because their "affairs" are more important. While cognitive process like this cannot be changed overnight, you can assert your stand on the matter. You can let the person know that your time is equally important as with anybody's time and that should be respected. 

Do not entertain opportunities where the other person can hijack your time-frame. Always be in control. In the event that the disorganized person attempts to do this, be 10 steps ahead of time and layout the full scenario. If everyone knows where they stand, it is easier to manage the situation.

#difficultpeople