Lesson 4: Strategies for Change

A. Options & Strategies for Dealing with Excuses & Helplessness

Review these suggestions and check any that you might find helpful in your work. Feel free to print the page as a reminder.

	Gently point out inaccuracies of the excuses. Give evidence if possible.
	Get him/her to generate alternatives. Don't solve his/her problem for him/her.
	Accept the excuses as valid and ask how they can be remedied.
	Indicate how you are feeling and what you need.
	Establish a contract or agreement.
	Reduce the potential dangers of changing behavior.
	State responsibilities and expectations.
	Build confidence and self-esteem.
	Accentuate the positive.
	Encourage small steps toward change.
	Ask questions which lead the person to see alternatives.
	Look for causes of the excuses.
	Serve as a role model.
	Provide training or necessary information.
	Reward improvements.
	Refer to a professional.
	Get the person to fill out a relevant self-assessment form.
	Assign a task that requires a change.
	Ask the person to cite the advantages of changing.

Lesson 4 points out strategies to approach problematic situations and people.

A. Strategic Tips: Dealing with excuses and helplessness.

B. Handling Complainers: Identifying, understanding, and coping with whiners.

C. Dealing with Hostility: Tips for defusing hostile or aggressive types.

D. What to Do with the Know-It-All: Techniques for working with highly opinionated people.

F. Coping with the Silent Type: Ways to communicate with the uncommunicative.