No matter what you do, there will always be one person who wants to be difficult.

The first thing you need to realize is that it's not you. Difficult people are difficult because they have personal problems.

So the first thing you need to understand is that you're the boss--not their therapist.

But once you have the right mindset, what do you do?

The Principal's Academy

The Principal's Academy is a FREE newsletter you can join that will give you the opportunity to ask any question you might have about school leadership or talk about whatever school obstacle you might be facing.

When you sign up for the Principal's Academy newsletter, there are two editions per week. The first edition allows you to ask your questions. This edition comes out every single week and this is a great opportunity to let the community know what issues, questions or dilemmas you are facing.

And then the second edition will come out later in the week, where Doc Schwartz, aka "The School Doc" will answer some of the questions school leaders raised in the first edition.

If you feel isolated and alone as a school leader, the Principal's Academy newsletter will connect you to school leaders across the country, in addition to providing you with the most current and 21st century solutions for your school.

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Supervising Difficult People

Here's the truth.

Difficult people like to test boundaries and limits. This is who they are. And they push everyone they know to the edge. 

That's why you need to remain calm and in control.

Difficult people like to get under people's skin. It's a form of control for them.

Therefore, here are X things you can do to handle difficult people:

The 8 Things You Should Do to Handle Difficult People

1.  Communicate clear boundaries in writing to them

2. Give them a verbal warning when they step over the line

3. Write them up immediately for a second infraction

4. Sit down with them and HR or Union Rep immediately after third infraction

5. Place them on a PIP (professional improvement plan) ASAP if they continue to act out of line

6. Do not engage with them in discussions.

7. If they have questions, request all questions in writing

8. Only respond in writing back to them - and respond slowly, calmly and while taking deep breaths

The challenge for most school leaders is that they want to be friends with everyone. But you cannot be friends with a difficult staff member. Unfortunately, they want to wage war in your school building, therefore they are your true enemy. 

And you need to be extra professional and polite around them.

Difficult people need to be told exactly what to do - and written up immediately when they don't do it. Just be aware that they will complain, whine and even file greivances. But that is why you need to dot your "I's" and cross your "T's." 

If you work in a unionized district - speak directly to the union shop rep and inform them of the inappropriate behavior immediately. It is a huge mistake on your part to think you can "handle" the situation on your own.

All staff members have a contract - so use that contract language against them.

If they are being difficult - and you are trying to create a positive school environment, then its your duty to make their life a legalized hell.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Leaf Academy created an easy 10 Question Quiz to determine if you have a positive school classroom or not. This 2-minute quiz should be filled out by your teachers - and when they are done, ask them to screenshot their score