Dealing with Difficult Behaviours in the Workplace - Melbourne

Dealing with Difficult Behaviours in the Workplace - Melbourne

You know that person at work who makes your day harder than it needs to be? The one who argues with everything, gossips constantly, or just seems to drain the energy out of every meeting they attend? We've all been there, and let's be honest - most of us weren't given a manual on how to handle these situations when we started our careers.

I've spent the last fifteen years working with teams across Australia, and I can tell you that difficult behaviour isn't going anywhere. In fact, with hybrid work environments and increased workplace stress, these challenges are actually becoming more common. The good news? There are proven strategies that work, and they don't require you to become a psychologist or conflict resolution expert overnight.

This isn't about changing other people - that's a losing battle. It's about changing how you respond to them and having the right tools in your toolkit when things get tricky. Whether you're dealing with a colleague who constantly interrupts in meetings, someone who takes credit for your work, or a team member who spreads negativity like wildfire, you'll walk away with practical techniques you can use immediately.

We'll dig into real scenarios that actually happen in workplaces, not theoretical examples from textbooks. You'll learn how to set boundaries without creating enemies, de-escalate tense situations before they explode, and protect your own mental energy while still being professional. I'll also show you when it's time to involve HR or management - because sometimes that's exactly what needs to happen.

The best part? These skills don't just make work better. They'll help with difficult family members, challenging customers, and pretty much any situation where human behaviour gets messy.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this session, you'll know how to identify the most common types of difficult behaviours you encounter at work and have specific strategies for each one. You'll understand why people act the way they do (spoiler alert: it's usually not personal), and how to respond in ways that actually work instead of making things worse.

You'll practice having those awkward conversations that most people avoid until they become major problems. We'll cover how to document incidents properly, when to escalate issues, and how to maintain your professionalism even when the other person loses theirs. You'll also learn techniques for managing your own stress and emotional responses, because staying calm under pressure is often the key to resolving difficult situations.

The Bottom Line

Look, dealing with difficult people is part of working with humans. You can't control their behaviour, but you absolutely can control your response to it. These skills will make your workdays less stressful, improve your relationships with colleagues, and give you confidence to handle whatever personality challenges come your way. Plus, your manager will notice when you're the one who can handle tricky situations with grace - and that's exactly the kind of reputation that opens doors for career advancement.

Most participants tell us they wish they'd learned these techniques years earlier. Don't wait until that difficult colleague drives you to update your resume. Learn how to manage workplace conflicts effectively and take back control of your work environment.