Beware of Snarling Humans

Have you noticed yourself backing down from needed confrontations because the other person is  better at fighting than you are? Perhaps this person just want you to think so. Some people have learned to bark loudly and often as a way to intimidate others. That's how the person insures that he or she "gets her way."

How do you deal with a person who is nasty 'just because'?

• Show no fear. 
• Be direct. Ask the person why he/she is behaving badly. For example: "Excuse me, why are you being so hostile? (That is generally a show stopper!) Practice on customer service people who are snippy.
• Stick to the point. Do not let their response distract you.
• If they escalate the behavior, end the discussion for the moment. Refuse to engage when the other person is acting out.
• Talk to the person in private and suggest that the bad behavior is making him or her look bad. 
• Tell the person that you intend to finish the conversation one way or the other and ask the person why he or she is having such an emotional reaction. 
• LISTEN. You will often find the solution for the win win is in what the person tells you when you take the emotion out of it and get the person to explain.