Comments on: How to Manage Awkward Social Situations

By: Teresa D

Mon, 07 May 2018 18:22:24 +0000

I love Joseph Grenny! His articles are always helpful. This time, I’d like to add that I think it is perfectly appropriate to address the offending customer also. The rude and aggressive behavior made the other customers feel uncomfortable and left unaddressed, sort of makes the bystanders complicit in the rudeness if they say nothing about it. I think the rude customer and the shop employee could have both or either been addressed in the situation. Thanks for always giving me food for thought!

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By: Grizzly Bear Mom

Mon, 07 May 2018 14:14:41 +0000

Great examples. What does one do when presumably a neighborhood community association leader 1. anonymously reports you to the county for having an unlicensed tow truck business 2. your neighbor and not you own the business 3. you are not required to have a license in the first place? 4. they don’t hold themselves to the same standards they do for the community? 5. they discuss those who aren’t meeting community standards publically at the community meetings?

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By: bean

Wed, 02 May 2018 20:14:12 +0000

i will follow you to the ends of the earth, joseph!

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By: Lisa Baker

Wed, 02 May 2018 18:02:46 +0000

I agree with the intent of this article overall. However, I would like to point out that a scary number of people who behave as this rude, self-absorbed woman did seem to have no problem with using violence as well as words. I would not have considered getting my nails done as worth someone getting hurt. Conversation with the manager at another time, yes. Give them a chance to make it right, or take my business elsewhere. But I have seen too much of this bad behavior escalate quickly to physical bad behavior to think this is a wise response. Your advice, while correct and quite sound, assumes a certain amount of stability on the part of the one exhibiting the bad behavior that may not exist.

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By: Megan Gaffey

Wed, 02 May 2018 17:31:27 +0000

I normally love this column, and I like your part about setting boundaries, but I guarantee, this would not have worked in this situation. That would be just another source of pressure on the nail tech (who very likely doesn’t have perfect English). I also live in Minnesota, and I know the awkwardness to which the question refers.

Now, in this case, you would likely need to address the angry lady. Politely, but firmly, you could say, “Ma’am, unfortunately, we have appointments ahead of you. I am sure they will help you just as soon as they’re able.” THEN turn to the tech and ask that they honor your appointment time.

Minnesotans have this weird idea that being assertive is impolite. We need to get over that ASAP.

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By: Lauren G.

Wed, 02 May 2018 16:04:58 +0000

Sometimes anxiety or fear affects my decisions in those types of situations. If someone was THAT confrontational and aggressive, I’m not sure I would feel safe by speaking up.

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By: Carla Bange

Wed, 02 May 2018 15:54:26 +0000

Perfect, real-life examples, as always. I’m sharing this article with my FB friends who often come to me, I think because of my HR experience, with these kinds of difficult situations and ask how they should’ve handled them. Thank you for recognizing our need to (appropriately) stand our ground.

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