Dealing with the Difficult Client, Difficult Opposing Counsel, or Difficult Pro Se Party – Part II of II

By Margaret Dee McGarity, Bankruptcy Judge, Eastern District of Wisconsin

Strategies for Effective Communication

Seek first to understand before trying to be understood. Analyze the situation. What is really going on? Try to put yourself in the other’s shoes. Once you are in dialog, ask probing questions and carefully listen to fully understand. Active listening skills will help here. This stage involves sorting out emotions from the facts.

Adjust your communication style. This strategy involves understanding your communication style and that of the other person and . . .

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