Understanding and working with difficult people
July 18, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Understanding how "difficult" people think, act and feel can be the key to effective teamwork, says a local author and trainer slated to speak at a Western Michigan University workshop Thursday, Aug. 1.
Mary Blakely of Azuray Learning will present "Understanding and Working With Difficult People" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Federal Room of the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce building, 346 W. Michigan Ave. The program, part of a monthly series of workshops offered by WMU's Women's Business Development Center, is free and open to the public.
"By understanding why individuals think, act and feel the way they do, we can improve our relationship with anyone," says Blakely. "The best communication begins with each of us understanding one another first--not just by us being understood."
In her talk, Blakely will discuss the four ways we control others; how and why we feed our negative beliefs; anger, fear and our primitive brain connection; and discovering how we process information. By the end of the presentation, Blakely says, attendees will not only be able to understand and work with difficult people, but also understand why they, their spouses, children, coworkers and friends do the things they do.
"This opportunity can change the way you perceive and interact with people and help you to take charge of your life," she maintains. "Everyone from parents to corporate leaders can benefit from learning this information."
Blakely is president and chief executive officer of Azuray Learning, a company that creates and produces multisensory learning tools and programs. Author of the book "Why Not You," she is a learning and behavior specialist, educator, professional speaker and clinical master hypnotherapist. She offers a variety of training seminars, classes and lectures to children and adults at schools, businesses and other organizations. Blakely specializes in multisensory learning and training, conflict resolution, teamwork, interpersonal communication skills and personal discovery.
WMU's Haworth College of Business established the Women's Business Development Center in 1999 to offer support to female professionals and entrepreneurs by providing training, problem-solving consultation, current business information and networking opportunities.
Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact WBDC Director Patricia Guenther at (269) 387-2714 or <patricia.guenther@wmich.edu>.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu