Here’s How Smart people
Deal with Those they Dislike
By Joseph Rutakangwa
We don’t live in a perfect world. Some people drive us crazy, and we drive a
few mad as well. Those we dislike are inconsiderate, rushed, malign our character, question our motives, or just don’t get our jokes at all — but expect us to
laugh at all theirs. According to Robert Sutton (a professor of management
science at Stanford University), it’s neither possible — nor even ideal — to
build a team comprised entirely of people you’d invite to a backyard barbecue.
That’s why smart people make the
They accept that they are not going
to like everyone.
Sometimes we get caught in the trap of
thinking that we are nice people. It’s inevitable you will encounter difficult people who oppose what you think. Smart
people know this. That person you don’t
like is not a bad human. You don’t get
along because you have different values,
and that difference creates judgment.
Once you accept that, you will get along
better by agreeing to disagree.
They bear with (not ignore or
dismiss) those they don’t like.
Smart people need people who have different points of view and aren’t afraid to
argue. They are the kind of people who
stop the organization from failing. It may
not be easy but bear with them. It is often those who challenge us that prompt
us to new insights and help propel the
group to success. Remember, you are not
perfect either, yet people still tolerate
you.