Dealing with Difficult Behaviours - Geelong

Dealing with Difficult Behaviours - Geelong

You know that feeling when someone at work just... pushes your buttons? Maybe it's the colleague who always finds something to complain about, the team member who shoots down every idea without offering alternatives, or that person who just seems to suck the energy out of every meeting. We've all been there, and honestly, most of us weren't taught how to handle these situations without either losing our cool or avoiding the person entirely.

Here's the thing - difficult behaviours aren't going anywhere. In fact, with workplace stress at an all-time high, you're probably dealing with more challenging personalities than ever before. The good news is that most of these behaviours aren't personal attacks on you (even though they feel like it). They're usually signs that someone's struggling, overwhelmed, or just doesn't know how to communicate effectively.

This workshop isn't about changing other people - that's impossible and frankly, not your job. It's about giving you practical tools to respond professionally while protecting your own sanity. You'll learn how to decode what's really driving difficult behaviours, whether it's fear, frustration, or feeling undervalued. More importantly, you'll discover techniques that actually work in real workplace situations, not just in theory.

We'll cover the difference between being assertive and being aggressive (there's a huge gap that most people miss), how to set boundaries without creating enemies, and practical scripts for those awkward conversations you've been avoiding. You'll also learn how to recognize your own triggers and develop strategies for staying calm when someone's deliberately trying to wind you up.

What You'll Learn

How to identify the root causes behind challenging workplace behaviours instead of just reacting to the symptoms. You'll understand why your usually reasonable colleague turns into a nightmare when deadlines approach, or why certain people seem to thrive on creating drama.

Practical communication techniques that de-escalate tense situations without making you look weak or backing down from important issues. These aren't feel-good theories - they're battle-tested approaches that work in real workplace conflicts.

How to set clear, professional boundaries with people who don't respect normal social cues. You'll learn the art of saying no firmly but diplomatically, and how to redirect conversations that are going nowhere productive.

Strategies for protecting your own emotional energy and maintaining your professionalism when others are losing theirs. This includes recognizing when you need to step away and how to do it gracefully.

When and how to escalate issues appropriately - because sometimes you do need backup, and knowing how to frame the situation can make all the difference.

The Bottom Line

After this session, you'll have a toolkit of practical responses for those challenging workplace moments that used to leave you frustrated or stressed. You won't eliminate difficult behaviours entirely (nobody can), but you'll feel more confident and in control when they happen. Most participants say they wish they'd learned these skills years ago - it would've saved them countless headaches and helped them maintain better working relationships. The goal isn't to become a workplace therapist, but to handle these situations professionally while protecting your own well-being.