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Passive people can be frustrating to be around, especially when they are relentless in their pursuits. Hopefully this article will help you communicate with them and make your relationship with them stronger and more productive.

Steps

  1. 1
    Confront the person when they are alone and let them know that you want to talk to them.
  2. 2
    Calmly but firmly explain your feelings to them.  Tell them that their current attitude is frustrating you and request that they either become more direct or stop bothering you.
  3. 3
    The person may not have realized that they were bothering you.  In this case, they will usually try to change.  However, if they revert back to persistent passivity, calmly remind them of your conversation and reiterate your points.
  4. 4
    Sometimes the person will be obstinate and continue their passivity just to spite you.  If this happens, try to avoid contact with the person as much as possible.  Either change your schedule so that the two of you do not meet or find a new group if the two of you are in a group setting together.
  5. 5
    If all else fails and the situation becomes absolutely unbearable, find someone higher up than them and explain the issue and try to get them to help you.  Note that this should only be used as a very last resort.

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Tips

  • It sometimes helps to plan what you are going to say in advance to ensure that you know what points you want to make and how to express them.
  • Make sure to hold the conversation in a firm but nonthreatening tone.
  • Never shout.
  • Remember that ultimately you cannot change other people, only yourself. You may have to make some changes in your own attitude or habits to resolve the problem.
  • Make sure to provide a good example by emulating the habits you want the person to take up.

Warnings

  • Confronting them in front of others may cause them to become defensive and angry at you.
  • Only escalate the issue as a last resort! Doing so may cause the person in charge to think you cannot solve problems by yourself, and it may embarrass the person you are trying to address.

Article Info

Categories: Managing Conflict and Difficult Interactions

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