Some people at work are genuinely difficult. And some haven't done a single thing wrong; you just can't stand them.

In this episode, I talk about the working relationship almost nobody admits to. The colleague who hasn't done anything you could write down, and yet your whole week shifts when you see their name in your diary.

I cover the question most managers skip before they open their mouth: what this quietly costs you and your credibility when you leave it alone, and how to have the conversation using my COMPASS model. You'll get the actual words to open with, including what to say when nothing is going wrong and it's simply a style clash.

If you've got a name in mind while you listen, this one's for you.

Find out more about the Workplace Conversation Kickstart here: https://thepeoplementor.co.uk/the-workplace-conversation-kickstart/

Mentioned in this episode:

Bitesize Brilliance: Managing People

Most managers were never actually taught how to manage. They were brilliant at their job, got promoted, and then found themselves responsible for a team with no real preparation for what that means. This podcast is for them. Bite Size Brilliance: Managing People is hosted by Nicola Richardson, founder of The People Mentor, with over 40 years of experience in leadership development and people management. Each episode is short, practical, and designed to give you something you can actually use - whether you're dealing with a difficult conversation you've been putting off, trying to get the best out of your team, or just feeling the weight of managing people and wondering if it's supposed to feel this hard. Episodes alternate between solo episodes where Nicola shares her expertise directly, and honest conversations with guests who know what it's like to lead people in the real world. No theory for theory's sake. No corporate fluff. Just real, useful insight for real managers.

BiteSize Brilliance: Managing People

Most managers were never actually taught how to manage. They were brilliant at their job, got promoted, and then found themselves responsible for a team with no real preparation for what that means. This podcast is for them. Bite Size Brilliance: Managing People is hosted by Nicola Richardson, founder of The People Mentor, with over 40 years of experience in leadership development and people management. Each episode is short, practical, and designed to give you something you can actually use - whether you're dealing with a difficult conversation you've been putting off, trying to get the best out of your team, or just feeling the weight of managing people and wondering if it's supposed to feel this hard. Episodes alternate between solo episodes where Nicola shares her expertise directly, and honest conversations with guests who know what it's like to lead people in the real world. No theory for theory's sake. No corporate fluff. Just real, useful insight for real managers.