Do you know the two P’s relating to ‘difficult people’?

They stand for...

First P: Predictable. 

It’s 100% predictable who you will have difficulties with, who will press your buttons, and who will challenge you. 

Difficulties stem from differences in behavioural and psychological patterns. 

Second P: Preventable.

It’s 100% preventable to have difficulties with certain personalities.

It also means that you can obtain positive outcomes instead of negatives ones as long as you can successfully read and relate to other people. 

Let's illustrate this with an example.

The General Manager of a sizeable business had been working together with the CEO for the past 20 years.

A new senior leader joined the team and within a matter of months, he was able to secure funding in the millions, backed by the CEO. 

My client (the GM), could not understand how this new person pulled off such a feat, especially since the GM had attempted to secure funding on several occasions himself, unsuccess...

I made a Bram-new video for you. 

Why? Because people easily clash with others because they keep infringing on two vital rules of communication.

If you ever felt upset, disappointed, unheard, taken for granted, walked over, intimidated or disrespected by someone, pay attention.

They don't necessarily mean bad.

They don't necessarily disrespect you.

Just like anyone else, we are hard wired to think, feel and act in specific ways.

The good news is that you can learn how to read people and truly connect with them using the (neuro-) science and art of effective communication.

It will definitely help you feel better.

Watch my new video here

Do people ever compliment you on your energy?

Do you find it easy to hold your ground and stand up for yourself without becoming rude or aggressive?

What about negotiating... Do you do so with confidence and a positive outcome most of the time?

There is one thing that underpins all of them: personal power.

You either have it or you give your power away.

I remember this occasion where I shaped my destiny with one personal choice I made.

It goes back many years. I was in the car with my uncle. He was grooming me to take over the family business from him. 

The problem was...

I didn't like how he treated people, especially my mother (his sister). He  was full of contempt. 

In addition, he was extremely manipulative. I knew that I would become a puppet of his so that he could still keep control. 

That day in the car, I said to him "Uncle Jan, I will create my own future. I won't take over the family business."

There. I said it.

In some respect, it pained me to say so because I w...