Communicate to Lead
Ready to step into your full potential as a leader? Join communication expert and leadership coach Kele Belton for conversations that go beyond traditional leadership advice. Each week on Communicate to Lead, discover practical strategies to strengthen both your leadership presence and communication impact. Through solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews, Kele tackles the real challenges women face in management - from mastering high-stakes conversations and building executive presence to overcoming perfectionism and imposter syndrome. Whether you're an experienced manager or an aspiring leader, this podcast delivers actionable insights to help you navigate workplace dynamics, amplify your voice, and lead with authentic confidence. Tune in to transform challenges into opportunities and build the leadership career you envision.
Communicate to Lead
117. How to Deal with Difficult People: 4 Listening Techniques to Stay Calm and Lead Better
You know that person at work who makes your stomach drop every time you see their name on your calendar? The colleague who drains your energy, the boss who criticizes everything, or that team member who turns every conversation into their personal drama session?
What if the solution isn't avoiding them or fighting back, but learning a completely different way to listen?
In this episode, I'm sharing four psychology-backed listening strategies that will help you handle difficult people at work more effectively. This isn't about gritting your teeth and enduring; it's about employing strategic techniques that conserve your energy while enhancing these challenging relationships.
What you can expect from the episode
By the end of this episode, you'll have practical tools for:
- Understanding why certain people trigger you so intensely (it's biology, not a character flaw)
- Breaking the three listening patterns that make difficult conversations worse
- Using four research-based strategies to stay calm and centered
- Handling chronic complainers, serial interrupters, and emotional hijackers
- Recovering your energy after challenging interactions
Ready to practice these skills?
If you're ready to master these listening strategies and lead with more confidence, book a complimentary clarity call with me. We'll discuss your specific challenges and create a customized plan tailored to your unique situation. Book your session at the following link: https://calendly.com/kele-thetailoredapproach/leadership-clarity-call
Connect with Kele for more leadership insights:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/
- Website: https://thetailoredapproach.com