The book "Talking to Crazy: How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life" provides a step-by-step guide on how to deal with irrational people in a professional setting. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing that such individuals cannot be reasoned with in a traditional manner, as their behavior is often rooted in past experiences rather than the present moment. The book suggests identifying the individual's modus operandi, or the specific strategy they use to manipulate others, and using mental techniques to maintain balance and control. It also encourages empathy, suggesting that one should try to understand the emotions that the irrational person is experiencing. Finally, the book advises making oneself an ally rather than a threat, by listening calmly and allowing the person to vent, thereby guiding them towards more rational ways of thinking.

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Step 1: Recognize that the other person can't think rationally and can't be reasoned with. Their behavior has roots in the past rather than the present moment. Step 2: Identify the person's Modus Operandi, the specific strategy they use to make you feel guilty, ashamed, afraid or frustrated. This makes you calmer, centered and more in control. Step 3: Realize that crazy behavior isn't about you but is about the other person. Use mental techniques to retain balance. Step 4: Lean in and empathize by imagining yourself undergoing the person's emotions of feeling attacked, misunderstood or defensive. Step 5: Make yourself an ally and not a threat by calmly listening to the person. Allow them to vent and take their side. Listen kindly and mirror the person to make the other person mirror you. Step 6: Guide the person to saner ways of thinking.

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Talking to Crazy: How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life

Do you often deal with bullies, manipulators, know-it-alls and other types of “crazy” in your professional life? If you reason with irrational people,...

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