Bruno's Web Tip

Bruno Gideon is a regular columnist for the SCCC website. Bruno will share some of his wisdom with our readers by giving useful tips for everyday life and practical advice for today’s entrepreneurs.

Bruno will also love to hear back from our readers by e-mail.

 

 

 

Never wrestle with a pig!

I was at a dinner party when my neighbour suddenly turned to me and in a loud and angry voice commented about something I had said earlier. I got hot under the collar but resumed with my meal as if nothing had happened. Why was I able to diffuse this potentially tense situation? Because I remembered a quote that I had read a few days earlier. Here it is:

Some people get angry for whatever reason. So let them be angry - there is nothing we can do about it anyway. But if an angry person irritates and annoys you, be careful not to fall into the provocation trap, because this is often their ultimate motive. When someone is angry and tries to pick a fight with you, that is entirely his problem and you are free to choose, eighter to join the battle, which I would advice you not to do, or to ignore it. If you refuse to fight, the other party has no chance and the provocation trap remains empty.

If someone aggressively insults you, it's not easy to keep composure, because you are personally involved and are getting angry. But what can you do in such a situation? Take a few deep breaths and then tell the other party in plain language that you won't be drawn into a fight but that you are willing to discuss the matter later, but only in a factual way. That gives him time to cool down but what if he doesn't? Well, that is his problem, not yours

Are you about to fall into a provocation trap? Think of the quote above. It will put a smile on your face. And you can't fight if you smile, right?