Fight Back ... By Not Fighting

All radio shares common interests when it comes to a variety of issues. Regardless of the city or format, there are problems that are a result of the negative side of human behavior. Despite all the attempts at keeping the workplace calm and working on the mission for ratings and revenue, there is always that one person or persons capable of creating chaos. It might be an air talent with an ego problem or a PD who rules by intimidation. Both types do things to deflect and control.

They Huff & They Puff ...

I hear this lot from air personalities, "My PD does not listen to any of my ideas; he just rants whenever I come up with something. He (or she) never takes any of my suggestions. He (or she) won't do it in a meeting with others, but waits until I'm in their office or isolated in a situation out of earshot of others." Does any of this sound familiar?

Stay In Control

My advice to those going through this is to never be distracted by the pageantry of presentation. Controlling your emotions is the key to taking control of a stressful environment. Don't let anyone raising their voice throw you off your game. Many use it as a tactic to deflect from something. I learned years ago: If someone raises their voice arguing an issue, they're putting on a show.

Turn The Tables...

The best way to combat negative rants is to agree with the person's problems with an idea and ask for help in making it better. You will have empowered \ them and brought them down to your calm level. They will now have to show how to make your idea work and it increases the possibilities for them to put it in action.

The First Time I Used The Tactic ...

I learned how to handle loud talking, disgruntled people at an unscheduled sales meeting where I was ambushed. I had only been at the station for four months and one Friday during lunch, the sales assistant popped into my office and said "### needs you in the conference room for a minute." I assumed he wanted to introduce me to a client. I opened the conference room door and to my surprise, there were the Sales Manager, the entire sales staff, and the GM; it was a set-up.

It's All Your Fault ...

Immediately, I was confronted with a host of issues the salespeople thought were the reasons they could not make budget -- the music we played, the rotations of the music being played, the way we conducted contesting, why our midday and PM-drive personalities couldn't have a fill-in on occasion to do a client remote, and a host of other reasons why they could not sell advertising. It was all my fault ... the new guy.

I Listened And Then ...

During this interrogation, I came up with my equivalent of the late boxing great Muhammad Ali's "Rope-A-Dope" strategy of laying back and taking the punches. After 15 minutes of listening to this farce, the GM said, "Sam, you haven't said anything." I said, "I'm glad you guys agree I have all these issues to deal with daily; I could use your help with the issues you brought up today. I need suggestions, if not today, maybe at your next scheduled sales meeting."

I wish you could have been in the room to see all the confused faces. They were expecting an argument, instead I put them on the defensive without heated words. Following the meeting, one of the veteran salesmen stopped by my office, "Young man, you're dangerous I know what you did back there; that's the last time sales will ever try and use you as a scapegoat."

Conclusion...

You'll come across bosses, co-workers and clients with a variety of communication styles. Some will or will not fit with your moral compass, but don't let the latter stop you from learning. The yeller type might become the best business friend you ever had, or the quiet soft-spoken boss as the biggest back-stabber. The point is, don't look for yourself in others; listen to someone's message and ignore the occasional theatrical outburst. Never rise to the other person's anger during a discussion, because that's what they want you to do; it changes the focus. Radio is theater of the mind ... put on an act. Remember, no one can make you angry unless you allow it.