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How To Handle Difficult People
Don’t take the bait. Use this instead...
Justin Mecham
June 21, 2025
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Losing your cool? Then you're losing your power.
Staying calm isn’t passive.
It’s a leadership move.
In tough moments, calm becomes your greatest competitive advantage.
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When emotions run high— the calmest voice carries the most weight.
It doesn’t mean you agree.
It means you choose peace over proving a point.
You don’t have to match their energy.
You can protect yours.
Today we are going to help leaders master this by using:
‘Stay Calm, Stay Strong - How to Handle Difficult People'.
Let’s dive in!
Download This PDF + my Top 60+ Cheat Sheets At Bottom of Email
How to Use the RISER Model at Work
1. When Someone Keeps Interrupting in Meetings
Scenario: You're leading a meeting, and someone keeps cutting others off.
Recognize:
“I noticed it’s been hard for others to finish speaking.”
Investigate:
“Is there a reason you feel the need to jump in?”
Set Boundaries:
“Let’s make sure everyone gets space to talk. I’ll help guide that.”
Empathy:
“I know you’re eager to contribute—we’ll find a way that works for all.”
Redirect:
“Let’s try using the chat or time limits to keep things balanced.”
2. When You Get a Passive-Aggressive Email
Scenario: A teammate sends you a sharp-toned email questioning your decisions.
Recognize:
Don’t match their tone—stay neutral.
Investigate:
“Can we talk for five minutes? I want to understand what’s behind your message.”
Set Boundaries:
“I’m open to feedback, but let’s keep it respectful.”
Empathy:
“It makes sense you felt left out. That wasn’t my goal.”
Redirect:
“Next time, let’s check in earlier so we’re aligned.”
3. When Your Manager Takes Credit for Your Work
Scenario: Your boss presents your project as their own in a company update.
Recognize:
Don’t let it slide—ask for a 1:1.
Investigate:
“I was surprised not to be mentioned. Can you share how that update came together?”
Set Boundaries:
“Moving forward, I’d like to be recognized when I lead key work.”
Empathy:
“I know things move fast—it may have been unintentional.”
Redirect:
“Maybe I can help present results next time.”
4. When a Teammate Snaps Under Stress
Scenario: A teammate keeps snapping at people and missing deadlines.
Recognize:
“I’ve noticed some tension lately—everything okay?”
Investigate:
“Want to talk about what’s been going on?”
Set Boundaries:
“Even when stressed, we’ve got to keep it respectful.”
Empathy:
“I’ve felt overwhelmed too—you're not alone.”
Redirect:
“What can we take off your plate or prioritize differently?”
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You don’t need to create more. You need something that keeps working.
Here's how you can make it real today:
Daily RISER Challenge
Step 1: Choose One Lesson
Pick the one scenario from the RISER guide that feels most real today.
Example: “Someone keeps interrupting me,” or “I feel ignored when others take credit.”
Step 2: Spot Your Pressure Point
Write down when you're most likely to react fast or shut down.
Example: “Right after I read a passive-aggressive message,” or “In meetings when I’m cut off.”
Step 3: Set a Micro-Challenge
Here’s your one action today:
Before you react, pause and ask: “Which RISER step do I need right now?”
You don’t have to go through all five. Just pick one and try it.
Example thoughts:
“Do I need to ask a calm question right now?”
“Should I clearly name what’s not working?”
“Can I redirect this to a solution instead of an argument?”
Step 4: Notice the Shift
Pay attention once today:
Did the tone change?
Did you feel more steady after trying it?
Did the other person respond differently?
Step 5: Reflect (1 Minute Max)
At the end of your day, jot down:
What happened when I used one RISER step?
What would I try again—or differently—next time?
AI Prompt: “Act as a communication coach. Help me prepare for a tense or uncomfortable situation using the RISER model so I can respond calmly and clearly.
Situation I’m Worried About: [Insert situation, e.g., “A coworker keeps interrupting me during meetings” or “I need to respond to a rude email from a teammate”]
My Main Goal: [Insert goal, e.g., “Stay calm and keep the conversation respectful” or “Get my point across without making things worse”]
Provide:
A simple, 5-step RISER action plan for what I should do and say
1 example phrase I can use for each step (Recognize, Investigate, Set Boundaries, Empathy, Redirect)
A short sentence I can repeat to myself to stay grounded in the moment
A tip to help me avoid reacting emotionally
Make it clear, calm, and ready to use in real life.”
You’re not strong because nothing rattles you.
You’re strong because you know how to respond when it does.
Staying calm doesn’t mean letting things slide—it means guiding them forward.
Every difficult moment is a chance to lead by example.
Respect is earned most in how you handle disrespect.
You don’t need to win the argument.
You’re winning by staying calm.
Until next time and with lots of love,
Justin
This Week’s Growth Recommendations
Book To Read:
“Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler (see it here)
TED Talk to Watch:
“How to Deal with Difficult People" by Jay Johnson (see it here)
Guide to Download:
“Create Once. Earn Forever.” My personal step-by-step plan on how I earn money as a creator and how you can too (see it here)
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