Dealing with Difficult Workplace Behaviours - Adelaide

Dealing with Difficult Workplace Behaviours - Adelaide

You know that colleague who makes every meeting feel like walking through a minefield? The one who interrupts, undermines, or just seems to suck the energy out of every room they enter? If you're nodding along, you're not alone. Most of us have worked with someone whose behaviour makes our job harder than it needs to be. The thing is, these situations don't magically resolve themselves, and hoping they'll change jobs isn't exactly a career strategy.

Here's what I've learned from twenty years of helping teams navigate these choppy waters: difficult behaviours usually aren't personal attacks on you, even though they feel like it. That person who constantly shoots down ideas in meetings might be dealing with insecurity. The colleague who never follows through on commitments could be overwhelmed or unclear about expectations. Understanding the 'why' behind difficult behaviours gives you actual tools to work with, rather than just gritting your teeth and counting down to 5 PM.

This course isn't about becoming the workplace therapist or magically transforming difficult personalities. It's about practical strategies that actually work when you're dealing with challenging behaviours day in and day out. You'll learn how to have those uncomfortable conversations without making things worse, how to set boundaries that stick, and when to involve your manager without looking like you can't handle your job.

We'll work through real scenarios that probably sound familiar: the chronic complainer who drains team morale, the micromanager who questions every decision, the passive-aggressive colleague who agrees to everything then does nothing. You'll practice de-escalation techniques that actually work in the moment, not just in theory. Plus, you'll discover how to protect your own energy and maintain your professionalism when someone else is acting unprofessionally.

What You'll Learn

How to identify the root causes behind difficult behaviours instead of just reacting to the symptoms. You'll understand the difference between someone having a bad day and ongoing behavioural patterns that need addressing. We'll cover practical communication techniques that help you address issues directly without escalating conflict.

You'll master the art of setting clear, enforceable boundaries without coming across as difficult yourself. This includes learning when to document interactions, how to involve HR or management appropriately, and strategies for managing your own emotional responses when someone pushes your buttons.

We'll also dive into team dynamics and how to prevent difficult behaviours from spreading or becoming the norm. You'll learn techniques for staying professional when others aren't, and how to maintain your own credibility and effectiveness even in challenging interpersonal situations.

The Bottom Line

You'll walk away with a toolkit of proven strategies for handling difficult workplace behaviours with confidence and professionalism. Instead of dreading certain interactions or letting challenging colleagues derail your productivity, you'll know exactly how to address issues constructively. These skills don't just make your workday more pleasant - they position you as someone who can handle tough situations, which is exactly the kind of capability that gets noticed when opportunities arise. Most importantly, you'll stop letting other people's behaviour control how you feel about your job.