Dealing with Difficult People: Effective Strategies for Election Directors
Understand how to handle challenging individuals in the election setting by documenting interactions, evaluating your role, and exploring alternative solutions beyond retaliation.
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Presentation Transcript
DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE Election Director s Conference December 12, 2011 Kathy Holland, Director Alamance County Board of Elections
Who are these difficult people?
Others Municipalities County Government State Government Federal Government
No matter how good it would feel you can t do this
But if I cant retaliate what other options do I have?
Documentation! Document Everything - All telephone calls, emails, in person visits, any correspondence involving the person. These documentations are public records so be careful to only document the facts - no editorials! Keep in mind many people tape two way conversations. Permission from the person they are speaking with is not required. Anything you say over the telephone may be recorded.
Evaluate and ask yourself: Am I perpetuating this difficulty? Is my opinion of the person or the situation hindering me from a fair solution or compromise? Am I unwilling to see another point of view. Have I done everything possible to keep the situation from escalating to the next level?
Seek Assistance County Board Members County Attorney The State Board of Elections
Southernisms for Elections Staff /Board Members A house divided against itself cannot stand. Voters A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Candidates/ Electioneers Forewarned is forearmed. Elected Officials For whom the bell tolls. Media The pen is mightier than the sword. Other Agencies Know which way the wind blows. Irate Phone Calls No rest for the weary and the wicked don t need any.
Southernisms Rules to follow when encountering difficult people in general.. If you can t say something nice don t say anything at all. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Remember the Golden Rule!
Fortunately most people we encounter are NOT difficult people! But with some time and patience we can make the difficult ones happy as clams!
If all else fails remember this quote from a very wise woman aka Johnnie McLean This too shall pass!
