Dealing with a condescending person can be hard.No one likes being spoken to.Most instances in which you encounter a condescending person can be managed with some good communication techniques and a bit of patience.In your personal life and in the workplace you may have to deal with condescension.
Step 1: Stay calm.
Since this can make the situation worse, try not to lose your temper.Take a deep breath before you reply to the person.I am trying to point out a problem, but I will stay calm and be civil.
Step 2: Don't be shy about being honest.
Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself if someone condescending says something to you.Let the person know that the condescension was unwarranted.If you want to deal with the situation, you need to be honest.The person may not even know that he or she is being condescending.
Step 3: The tone of your voice should be watched.
The tone of voice is the most important factor in Condescension.It is not always what a person says but how they say it.Don't reply to a condescending person with more condescension.It means avoiding sarcasm, raising your voice, etc.
Step 4: Non-defensive communication is practiced.
To deal with difficult people, you have to choose the right words.The chances of resolving the situation are ruined if you say things that are defensive.You can turn defensive statements into more constructive ones.You might be tempted to respond with something like "You're wrong!" if someone condescendingsays "Well, if I were you, I'd just settle on a career and move on with my life."Try saying something like "I understand you see it that way," instead of "And stay out of my life."Why is it more complicated than that?
Step 5: Determine what kind of relationship you have with that person.
If you are dealing with a person who has a habit of saying condescending things to you, stop and think about your relationship with that person in general.Try to figure out why you find the remarks condescending, based on the kind of relationship you have.You will be able to communicate more effectively with this knowledge.If you feel like you owe a debt to the other person in a relationship, the pressure of the debt may cause the feelings of condescension.You can either settle the debt or be open with the other person about how you feel.
Step 6: It's a good time to recognize emotional blackmail.
People will use condescension to get others to do something for them.He or she might fear losing you if they say belittling things to you.The condescending comments were meant to make you feel inferior and dependent on that person.If you notice this kind of behavior, speak calmly and openly with your partner about it.
Step 7: When all else fails, smile and no.
The easiest way to deal with a condescending person is just to move on.If you can stand the condescending comments long enough to get away from that person, just grin and avoid them.
Step 8: Seek help from a professional.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if someone's condescending comments cause serious damage to a relationship that you value.Marriage and family advisors are trained to help people resolve relationship problems.
Step 9: Refer to condescending behavior when you see it.
Shouting, yelling, belittling comments are all signs of condescension.In the workplace, people are sometimes condescending in more subtle ways, such as talking about people behind their backs or trash talking in the form of jokes.If you see this behavior, point it out.It is possible to help to avoid it in the workplace by fostering an environment that discourages gossip, making jokes about coworkers, etc.
Step 10: Ignore it and move on.
If a person makes a condescending comment without it being part of a pattern of behavior, the most efficient and effective thing to do is just move on.Everyone says stupid things, lashes out at someone, or has a bad day.If the condescending comment was an isolated comment, try to get on with your life.
Step 11: The condescension must be turned into action.
It is possible to distract a person from their condescension.Communication with a coworker who is more knowledgeable than you will turn your feelings into productivity.Say things like, "Could you help me understand?" or "What do you think we should do?"
Step 12: Get support.
Talk to a supervisor if you are dealing with a condescending coworker.You should try to have proof of the problem, such as condescending emails that you have saved.Things can be more complicated if your supervisor is being condescending.You can still get support from your coworkers.
Step 13: Look for a face to face discussion.
To deal with a condescending coworker most effectively, ask to set up a personal meeting to discuss the issue.If you don't want to reveal what the meeting is really about, suggest that it is for something neutral sounding, like "workplace communication strategies."
Step 14: Speak up about something.
If someone's condescension is interfering with your ability to do your job, then you need to call them out.Without anger, courteously and directly respond to the behavior.Try something like, "I really appreciate your input, I know you have a lot of experience in this area."Sometimes it can be hard to ask you questions because I feel like you don't respect me.It can feel condescending.
Step 15: Don't fight.
Resist the urge to retaliate if the coworker responds with more condescension.Before moving on, take a moment to breathe, calm down, and assess the situation.
Step 16: Don't use body language that is judgmental.
When trying to work through conflicts, non-verbal communication is important.When talking about the problem of condescension with a coworker, watch your body language and what you say.Pointing your fingers, crossing your arms, and getting in the person's face are things you shouldn't do.
Step 17: It is possible to see things through the other person's perspective.
Sometimes people are condescending.Seek to understand your coworker's point of view if you want to rise above the situation.When you think your coworker is condescending, invite him or her to explain.Say something like "Why don't you tell me about your perspective?"
Step 18: The review should be a corrective one.
You can ask your supervisor to give you suggestions on how to deal with condescending behavior after your meeting.Guidelines for avoiding condescending language and comments can be shared with your whole workplace if this report is directed just to the individuals involved in the conflict.