Examine your interpretation
Distinguish what a person actually did from the motives or labels you may have attached to their behaviour.
Communication
How to Work with Complicated People
Explore differences, disagreement and boundaries while changing how you respond.
By Ryan Leak
What this programme helps you work on.
Difficult working relationships consume attention and can make ordinary tasks harder than necessary. Ryan Leak’s programme explores differences, disagreement and the choices you can make in your own response. Participants consider how to collaborate more constructively while remaining clear about expectations and boundaries.
Who it suits
People facing difficult working relationships.
The focus
Collaboration, perspective, boundaries and personal choices.
Inside the programme
What you’ll explore.
These themes guide the learning. The depth and selection depend on the format and the needs you bring.
Understand a different perspective
Explore what the other person may need or prioritise and where that differs from your own approach.
Respond with purpose
Choose language and actions that address the work issue and create an opportunity for a useful conversation.
Clarify boundaries
Consider what needs to be agreed, what behaviour needs addressing and when further organisational support is appropriate.
From ideas to action
Put it into practice.
Plan a more constructive response to a difficult working relationship.
An example to work through
Choose a recurring disagreement with a colleague. Describe it in observable terms, prepare a question that checks your assumptions and state the working agreement you would like to discuss.
This is an example of local application. We adapt the discussion to your situation and agreed scope.
Your practical takeaways
What you’ll work towards.
- A clearer description of a difficult relationship pattern.
- A constructive response within your control.
- A proposed boundary or working agreement to discuss.
The learning experience
How it works.
Facilitated learning combines explanation, discussion and reflection on participants’ own situations. Where the agreed format allows, you practise an application and decide what to try at work. Scope, duration and any follow-up are agreed around the group’s needs.