Dealing with difficult people topic of upcoming young professionals seminar in Midland

The coworker who spends all day chatting to friends on the phone instead of getting work done, the cubicle wall mate who eats smelly cooked tuna for lunch every day, the person who never seems to hit  deadlines related to your projects -- they're all variations on the same workplace problem: difficult coworkers.

Young professionals in Midland soon will have an opportunity to learn all about how to deal with difficult people in a seminar called "Dealing with Difficult People" on Aug. 17 at the Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center in Midland. The session, which will run from 11:15 a.m. To 1 p.m., will feature take-away tips for young professionals on how to deal effectively with difficult coworkers and other challenging people.

Midland's Young Professionals (MYPros) is sponsoring the program, which will feature a presentation by Sharon Mortensen, executive director of the Shelterhouse, says Diane Middleton, director of community programs for the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce.

MYPros members continued to bring up the idea for the seminar in their program evaluations, she says.

"We all deal with difficult people. And everybody is somebody's difficult person," Middleton says.

People who attend will walk about with a half a dozen tips on how to cope with difficult people and prevent them from being a roadblock in your career and workplace, she says.

"Sometimes it's these personal strategies that make the difference," Middleton says. "It's just another tool in their toolbox that will result in better business relations and more efficient businesses."

There is no membership fee to join MYPros as long as an individual is employed by a chamber member. Cost of the Aug. 17 lunch session is $15 if people register by Aug. 10, and $20 from Aug. 11 up until the day of the luncheon program. To register, visit the chamber's website.


Writer: Jenny Cromie
Source: Midland Area Chamber of Commerce, Diane Middleton