Don’t get mad, get savvy
Eight tips to handle political bullies

There’s nothing like politics to get the blood boiling. And even many normally rational people suddenly forget their reason– and manners – when the topic gets political.

So whether you’re attacked by an incorrigible bully or an occasional one, brush up on your tools for handling the political bullies in your life. Here are some tips to help you.

1. Stay calm.
All martial artists can tell you that the warrior who stays calm has an advantage over the ones who allow themselves to get agitated. It’s tough to stay calm when someone is being unreasonable and rude, but it will give you the advantage.

2. Know the political bully tools and learn to counter them.*
It’s the ones you don’t see coming that get you. Learn to recognize the tricks of the political bully trade. It will help you know how to respond.

3. Acknowledge similar interests and ideas.
No one is all right and no one is all wrong. Be sure to point out areas where you agree.

4. Don’t get mad, get determined.
Anger and determination are similar emotions, but determination is less reactive and more focused than anger. Figure out your goals, and choose your words carefully to accomplish those goals.

5. Separate facts from opinions, and don’t argue facts, research them.
People often state opinion as fact. Separate facts from opinions and research factual discrepancies.

6. Set boundaries on how you will be spoken to.
No one has a right to speak disrespectfully to you, no matter what the topic is. If someone hits below the belt, let them know what standards of communication you expect.

7. Let them know they don’t scare you and their tactics won’t work.
Bullies do what they do because it works. Many become emboldened by the idea that they have intimidated you. When you let them know you are not one to cower before a bully, they are likely to back down.

8. Be willing to walk away
Use your walk-away power. If you think you must convince someone, it gives them power over you. Be willing to agree to disagree and/or give them the freedom to hold on to their own opinions. That willingness gives you power.

Just because the topic is political doesn’t mean bullying is acceptable. Learn to handle political bullies.

* Political bullying tools include:
     • Personalization
     • Absolute language
     • Turning tables
     • Changing the rules
     • Labeling and name-calling
     • Acting infallible

Learn how to respond to the political bullying tools in the eBook Unite and Concur.

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Meryl Runion, Unite and Concur and Speak Strong (SpeakStrong) provides Power Phrases (PowerPhrases) and other tools to help you improve communication skills at work and at home and in your community.

She is the author of the books Unite and Concur, PowerPhrases!, How to Use PowerPhrases, Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors and How to Say It: Performance Reviews. You can reach her at 719-684-2633 or by email:

 

 

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