We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Chris Croft

Overcoming Difficult People - Assertiveness with Games Players

Regain control over Difficult People - a practical approach to using assertiveness when dealing with Games Players

Read more

Overcoming Difficult People - Assertiveness with Games Players

Regain control over Difficult People - a practical approach to using assertiveness when dealing with Games Players

Do you have difficult people in your life? People who make you feel insecure, angry, or undermined? People who you seemingly can’t ever say the right thing to do and always criticise or trap you? These people might be in your home or work life but I am sure you will know some. Overcome Difficult People is a practical programme designed to help you easily and calmly deal with Games Players using assertiveness, honesty and disarming techniques. My goal is for you to feel happy, confident and in control even in difficult relationships and manipulative interactions.

This programme uses 100% practical tools and techniques to help you conquer difficult situations. We look at 20 different types of Games Players (most of whom I’m sure you will have met during your life) and then 6 practical methods to disarm them immediately and regain your confidence and control. Being in a conversation or relationship with a Games Player is very circular, frustrating, and often hurtful, so this course will help you break that loop and finally feel calm and free. That annoying neighbour who won’t stop criticising you, or the frustrating colleague who asks for constant advice and then tells you none of it will work….? Yep - they’re all in the Games Player theory.

Games Player theory is entertaining and memorable - investigating negative manipulative techniques like Poor Me, Blemish, Mine’s Better, Only Joking and Sulking, plus lots more. We look at family dynamics, aggression, and reasons why perfectly good people might play games… possibly even you do without realising. Then we detail exactly what you can say or do: like how to be Assertive, ways to live with these people comfortably, how to play the game back (and better. ), and more. Every single videos uses real life examples and give practical tools you can use right away to regain control against manipulative conversations.

Chris Croft is an international speaker, and widely published author, who has been teaching Happiness, Leadership and Assertiveness to companies for over 20 years. He now combines his business and personal experience into a practical course about overcoming Difficult People. He's taught all over the world, as well as hundreds of thousands of people online, and has an entertaining and practical teaching style.

The course overview includes:

  • Practical tools and techniques for counteracting interactions with Difficult People

  • Learn how to immediately disarm a manipulative conversation

  • Overcome fear of confrontation, and rid yourself of negative people

  • Ways to reduce anxiety and increase empowerment and happiness

  • Tools to stop letting others intimidate you, manipulate you, or take over your decisions

  • How to become calm and confident in relationships at work and at home

  • Find it easy to say no, be assertive, and speak your mind

  • And as always it's 100% practical, and with no academic jargon.

  • If you are ready to make practical changes and regain control this course is for you.

By discovering practical tools to overcome Difficult People, not only will you benefit from feeling calm, happy and in control, you’ll have finally worked out which people are toxic in your life, and why that one acquaintance always got under your skin. Say goodbye to stress, manipulation and unhappiness. This course WILL change your relationships at work and at home.... if you let it.

This course comes with a 30 day money back guarantee, no questions asked.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify 20 different types of games players, and 6 methods for overcoming them
  • Practical tools and techniques for counteracting interactions with difficult people
  • Learn how to immediately disarm a manipulative conversation
  • Overcome fear of confrontation, and rid yourself of negative people
  • Ways to reduce anxiety and increase empowerment and happiness
  • Tools to stop letting others intimidate you, manipulate you, or take over your decisions
  • How to become calm and confident in relationships at work and at home
  • Find it easy to say no, be assertive, and speak your mind
  • 100% practical, and with no academic jargon
  • And much much more!
  • 30 day money back guarantee, no questions asked
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Welcome
Introduction
Understanding Assertiveness
10 - Only Joking
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers practical tools and techniques for managing interactions with difficult people, which can be valuable for personal and professional growth
Explores 20 different types of 'Games Players,' providing a framework for understanding manipulative behaviors, which may help learners recognize and address these behaviors in their own lives
Provides strategies for becoming more assertive, which is a valuable skill for setting boundaries and communicating needs effectively in various relationships
Teaches methods to 'disarm' manipulative conversations, which can empower learners to regain control and confidence in challenging interactions
Presents 'Games Player theory,' which, while potentially insightful, may oversimplify complex human interactions and should be considered as one perspective among many
Includes an option to 'play the game back,' which may be ethically questionable and could potentially escalate conflicts rather than resolve them

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical tools for handling difficult interactions

According to learners, this course provides highly practical tools and actionable strategies for dealing with difficult people. Students found it very effective at helping them identify specific manipulative behaviors, often referred to as 'Games Players', using relatable real-life examples. The instructor's style is described as clear, engaging, and easy to follow, making the concepts accessible. While many appreciate the concrete assertiveness and disarming techniques offered for use at work and at home, some feel the course is more foundational and could benefit from deeper dives into complex scenarios.
Good overview, but might lack depth.
"It's a great introduction to the topic, but doesn't go into super deep psychological analysis."
"Good overview, but for very specific, complex relational issues, I might need more."
"Covered the basics well, but felt a bit high-level on some of the strategies."
Engaging and clear teaching approach.
"Chris Croft is a fantastic, engaging speaker who makes the content easy to digest."
"Found the instructor's style very relatable and clear."
"The instructor kept it interesting and focused on what matters."
Uses relatable everyday scenarios.
"The examples used were spot-on and helped me connect the theory to my own experiences."
"Really liked how the examples mirrored everyday interactions I have."
"Seeing the concepts played out in relatable scenarios made a big difference."
Helps recognize difficult interactions.
"Now I can recognize these 'games' happening in real-time interactions."
"Learning the 20 Games was fascinating and instantly showed me patterns I'd encountered."
"This course helped me put names to the difficult behaviors I face."
Offers concrete ways to respond.
"Feel much more equipped to respond assertively and not get trapped."
"The disarming techniques provided simple, effective ways to handle conflict."
"Learning how to say 'No' and speak my mind confidently was a major takeaway."
Provides useful tools for real life.
"The course gave me practical techniques I could use immediately in difficult conversations."
"I loved how actionable the advice was; it wasn't just theory."
"Got real tools I applied the same day to a challenging situation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Overcome Difficult People - Assertiveness with Games Players with these activities:
Review Communication Styles
Strengthen your understanding of different communication styles to better recognize and respond to Games Players.
Browse courses on Assertiveness
Show steps
  • Research the four main communication styles: assertive, passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive.
  • Identify the characteristics of each style.
  • Reflect on your own communication style and areas for improvement.
Review 'Nonviolent Communication' by Marshall Rosenberg
Explore alternative communication strategies to enhance your assertiveness skills.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Nonviolent Communication' by Marshall Rosenberg.
  • Read the book, focusing on the four components of NVC: observations, feelings, needs, and requests.
  • Practice applying the NVC model in your own interactions.
Review 'Games People Play' by Eric Berne
Deepen your understanding of Games Theory by reading the seminal work by Eric Berne.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Games People Play' by Eric Berne.
  • Read the book, paying close attention to the descriptions of different games and their psychological underpinnings.
  • Reflect on how the concepts in the book relate to the Games Players discussed in the course.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Role-Playing Assertiveness Scenarios
Practice assertiveness techniques in a safe environment by role-playing scenarios with other students.
Show steps
  • Find a partner or group of students from the course.
  • Develop several scenarios involving interactions with Games Players.
  • Take turns playing the roles of the Games Player and the person responding assertively.
  • Provide each other with constructive feedback on your assertiveness techniques.
Create a Guide to Dealing with a Specific Games Player
Solidify your understanding by creating a practical guide on how to deal with a specific type of Games Player.
Show steps
  • Choose one of the 20 Games Players discussed in the course.
  • Research the Games Player in more detail, focusing on their common tactics and motivations.
  • Develop a step-by-step guide on how to recognize and respond to this Games Player assertively.
  • Share your guide with others and solicit feedback.
Analyze Personal Interactions
Apply the course concepts by analyzing your own interactions and identifying instances of Games Players and manipulative tactics.
Show steps
  • Keep a journal of your interactions with others for one week.
  • Review your journal entries and identify instances where you encountered potential Games Players.
  • Analyze the interactions using the concepts from the course, identifying the specific games being played and the tactics used.
  • Develop strategies for responding more assertively in similar situations in the future.
Answer Questions in Online Forums
Reinforce your learning by helping other students understand the course material.
Show steps
  • Regularly check the course discussion forums for questions from other students.
  • Answer questions to the best of your ability, drawing on your knowledge from the course.
  • Provide clear and concise explanations, using examples to illustrate key concepts.

Career center

Learners who complete Overcome Difficult People - Assertiveness with Games Players will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Conflict Resolution Specialist
Conflict Resolution Specialists are trained professionals who help individuals or groups resolve disputes peacefully and constructively. This course can provide valuable tools and techniques for managing difficult people and de-escalating tense situations. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable a Conflict Resolution Specialist to understand the underlying dynamics of a conflict, facilitate productive dialogue, and guide parties toward mutually agreeable outcomes. The emphasis on remaining calm and confident in relationships at work and at home may be of value.
Mediator
Mediators facilitate communication and negotiation between conflicting parties, often dealing with individuals exhibiting difficult behaviors or entrenched positions. This course helps a Mediator develop and refine essential skills for conflict resolution. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable a Mediator to understand underlying dynamics and guide parties toward mutually acceptable solutions. The course's emphasis on 'disarming' manipulative conversations and remaining neutral can be particularly valuable in fostering trust and creating a productive mediation environment. A Mediator must be excellent at handling conflict and stress.
Ombudsman
An Ombudsman investigates and resolves complaints or grievances impartially, often dealing with individuals who feel unheard or mistreated. This course helps an Ombudsman develop key skills for effective conflict resolution and communication. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable an Ombudsman to understand underlying issues, facilitate respectful dialogue, and find fair resolutions. The course's emphasis on 'disarming' manipulative conversations and maintaining neutrality can be particularly valuable in building trust and fostering a sense of justice.
Team Lead
Team Leads are responsible for guiding and motivating their teams, which inevitably involves dealing with a variety of personalities and potential conflicts. This course offers a practical approach to understanding and managing difficult people. By learning to recognize different 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques, a Team Lead can foster a more positive and productive team environment. The course's emphasis on 'disarming' manipulative conversations and empowering individuals to speak their minds can help address conflicts proactively and build stronger team cohesion. A team lead can learn how to deal with negative influences by taking this course.
Negotiator
Negotiators work to reach agreements between two or more parties with differing interests. This course may equip a Negotiator with essential skills for handling difficult people and navigating complex discussions. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable a Negotiator to understand the other party's motivations, build rapport, and advocate for their own position effectively. The course's focus practical tools to overcome difficult people is great.
Project Manager
Project managers frequently deal with stakeholders who may exhibit difficult behaviors or engage in manipulative tactics. This course may be incredibly beneficial for a Project Manager seeking to enhance their interpersonal skills. The course's emphasis on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can help a Project Manager manage project teams, negotiate with clients, and resolve conflicts effectively. Learning how to 'disarm' difficult conversations and stay calm under pressure, as taught in this course, can empower Project Managers to lead projects to successful completion while maintaining positive relationships with team members and stakeholders.
Account Manager
Account Managers often work closely with clients, juggling their needs and expectations while also advocating for their company's interests. Navigating these relationships can sometimes involve dealing with difficult personalities or manipulative tactics. This course may enhance an Account Manager's ability to handle challenging client interactions. By learning to identify 'Games Players' and employing assertive communication strategies, an Account Manager can build stronger, more productive client relationships. The course's practical techniques for 'disarming' difficult conversations and maintaining composure can be particularly valuable in high-pressure situations, ensuring client satisfaction and business success.
Human Resources Generalist
A Human Resources Generalist is often the first point of contact for employees and managers, handling a variety of employee relations issues. This course may provide valuable insights for a Human Resources Generalist who needs to navigate difficult conversations, address conflicts, and promote a positive work environment. The course's focus on assertiveness, disarming techniques, and understanding different 'Games Players' can equip a Human Resources Generalist with practical tools to manage challenging personalities and resolve workplace disputes effectively. The tools outlined in the course offer ways to reduce anxiety and increase empowerment when in workplace interactions.
Sales Representative
Sales Representatives frequently encounter potential clients who may use various tactics to negotiate or gain an advantage. Mastering assertiveness and the ability to disarm manipulative behaviors can be incredibly valuable. This course may improve a Sales Representative's ability to navigate challenging sales interactions successfully. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable a Sales Representative to build rapport, address objections effectively, and close deals confidently. Honesty and transparency are also keys to sales and you will find that this course helps you deal with others.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service roles often require handling complaints and dealing with frustrated or angry customers. This course may equip a Customer Service Representative with practical tools to manage difficult interactions effectively. By learning to identify 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques, a Customer Service Representative can de-escalate situations, resolve issues efficiently, and maintain a professional demeanor. The course's emphasis on 'disarming' manipulative conversations and staying calm under pressure can be particularly valuable in ensuring customer satisfaction and protecting the company's reputation.
Social Worker
Social Workers assist individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges, often interacting with clients who exhibit difficult behaviors or are in vulnerable situations. While this role typically requires an advanced degree, this course may provide supplementary skills training that can be of use to Social Workers. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable a Social Worker to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, advocate for their clients' needs, and maintain professional boundaries. The course's emphasis on 'disarming' manipulative conversations and fostering empowerment can be particularly valuable in helping clients overcome adversity and improve their lives.
Counselor
Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals facing personal, social, or career challenges, often encountering clients who exhibit difficult behaviors or struggle with assertiveness. While this role typically requires an advanced degree, this course may provide supplementary skills training that enhances a Counselor's ability to support their clients. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable a Counselor to help clients recognize unhealthy patterns, develop coping strategies, and build healthier relationships. The course's emphasis on 'disarming' manipulative conversations and fostering self-esteem can be particularly valuable in empowering clients to achieve their goals.
Therapist
Therapists work with individuals and families to address emotional and behavioral challenges, often encountering complex interpersonal dynamics and manipulative behaviors. While this role typically requires an advanced degree, this course may provide supplementary skills training that enhances a Therapist's ability to understand and address difficult client interactions. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable a Therapist to recognize underlying patterns, challenge unhealthy behaviors, and empower clients to develop healthier relationships. The course's emphasis on 'disarming' manipulative conversations and fostering self-awareness can be particularly valuable in supporting clients' growth and well-being. Therapy is about understanding and helping people.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that an organization is adhering to external laws and regulations as well as internal policies. This course may be useful for a Compliance Officer. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable a Compliance Officer to understand the other party's motivations and build rapport. Practical tools and techniques for counteracting interactions with difficult people are discussed in the course.
Corrections Officer
Corrections Officers supervise individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced and are serving time in jail or prison. This course may equip a Corrections Officer with de-escalation techniques. The course's focus on identifying 'Games Players' and applying assertive communication techniques can enable a Corrections Officer to understand the other party's motivations and build rapport. Practical tools and techniques for counteracting interactions with difficult people are discussed in the course.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Overcome Difficult People - Assertiveness with Games Players.
Introduces Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a communication approach focused on empathy, honesty, and connection. It provides a framework for expressing needs and feelings without blame or criticism. While the course focuses on assertiveness, NVC offers a complementary approach that emphasizes understanding and compassion, which can be valuable in de-escalating conflicts and building stronger relationships.
Is the foundational text on Games Theory, providing a comprehensive overview of the psychological games people play in social interactions. It offers in-depth analysis of various game types, their underlying motivations, and strategies for recognizing and avoiding them. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the concepts presented in the course and equip you with a broader framework for analyzing interpersonal dynamics. It is highly recommended as additional reading to supplement the course material.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser