The Reality of Dealing with People!

When it comes to operating machinery I'm no expert. If there's something wrong with my car, I'll open the bonnet
with some vague misplaced notion that by doing so, the problem will in some magical way resolve itself. It never does. But if I had the time and inclination I guess I could read a manual and perhaps with a little help be able to fix the odd minor problem. (Indeed, after years of coaching and support I have learnt how to refill my windscreen washer bottle.) As for the more major tasks, a visit to the garage will normally suffice. The garage has both the equipment and expertise to carry out the work. And if the car is beyond repair? Simple - write it off and sell it for scrap.

This is all well and good when dealing with cars, but it's not quite that simple when it comes to dealing with people problems. People are different. Relationships are complex. Although there are hundreds of books on the subject of relationships, there is no definitive guide on how best to manage them. Follow three simple steps on changing your spark plugs and, hey presto, it's sorted out. Follow three simple steps on how to deal with people and the outcome is less certain.

There are dozens of different makes of car on the planet - but there are over six billion people. And despite our many similarities, each person is a unique individual. An effective approach on how to deal with a colleague at work or your partner at home may bring about positive results on Tuesday, but try the same approach on Thursday and stand back and watch the sparks fl y. Enthusiasm and receptiveness one day: resentment and resistance the next.

Why?

Well, we're about to explore some of the multitude of reasons why people respond the way they do to situations. The key is to remember that although there will be lots of ideas and insights to help you build better relationships with others, this is not a quick fix manual. Reality rules. Events will happen that you hadn't expected. You'll respond to a person in a way you hadn't planned. Minor problems will escalate into major ones and you'll be left wondering, 'Where did it all go wrong?' Welcome to life - a mixture of joy, excitement, the ordinary, the unusual, sadness, happiness, dreams, despair, success, setbacks - and all these experiences involve people. You see, there is no simple three step formula guaranteed to succeed every time. No magic cure. The perfect relationship doesn't exist. Reality rules!