Book Review: How Do I Deal With Difficult People?
by Bryan Larson
Bryan Larson, long-time coach and teacher, no doubt has years of experience navigating exchanges with difficult people. Written in quick, bite-sized chapters with a point of discussion and discovery at the end of each, How Do I Deal With Difficult People? is an excellent book for groups as well as individuals. Every chapter includes multiple scriptures and quotations of Godly wisdom.
The first two chapters establish the fact that God is in control and wants us to grow through adversity. Chapter three, “Emotions are Contagious” starts the meat and potatoes of necessary attributes of handling oneself when encountering difficult individuals. As Larson points out, it’s easy to pick up on the emotions of others and become snarky, angry, and raise your voice. An important point to focus on in order to maintain self-control in the situation at hand.
Another point Larson makes is the importance of maintaining kindness and humility in the face of adverse encounters with others. While it may be tempting to feel pride or contempt, God teaches otherwise. Other chapters address forgiveness, patience, and letting go of judgment as well as guarding one’s heart.
The collection of scriptures in every chapter provides a convenient reference to meditate on God’s higher calling. If read in a group, there will be much additional value as Larson includes space for writing lessons learned from discussion.
While brief, there is much food for thought. Larson breaks apart the skills needed when encountering difficult people. If you are breathing, you need this rich, pocket-sized resource.