How do you deal with not just one but several angry hostile people in a group together that support each other

Question

I've been given advice about dealing with one idiot but how do I deal with several at time, all supporting each other?

If you're wondering where this is happening, it's in medical school!

Its the new breed of gansta docs..and you wondered why your doctor is so insensitive?

Another point I haven't mentioned so far. A couple of nicer people outside this particular group but within hearing distance have suggested that they are discriminating against me because of my age. The idiots doing this are 20 somethings and I am 50 something, I didn't mention this point, but others brought it up first, though that was my thinking all along. So this is a kind of age discrimination.

Helzabeth: Thanks for your wonderful answer! Though ofcourse, there are many other wonderful answers here as well and I thank you all for your own bits of wisdom. I'll eventually post something to let you all know how this ends next month...I;'ve seen some med students in the past acting very superior and arrogant towards others who weren't getting as good grades as them..only to later suffer the same result themselves...very humbling for them. I suspect this type of thing will happen to these morans as well. I only ask that I can be there to smile :)

Answer 1

Avoid them. You can't change people, but you can control yourself. If you work with these idiots, get a new job. If you live near these idiots move. If you're related to these idiots, join the club.

Answer 2

Difuse their anger. This can be a joke or simply staying quiet until they just don't have anything left to say. I'd have to know more on the people to give a good answer.

Try researching social/emotional intelligence. That should give you some great pointers.

Also, remove the emotions from the situation, at least in your head. Step back. Don't take it personally. Drop the emotions and just deal with the facts.

Oh wow, med students. No wonder! I've found a lot of med students have never had a real job in their lives and have also not had to live in the real world. They have very poor interpersonal skills. It's only a negative for them in their careers. Sadly, hardly anyone challenges them. Just rest assured, they have had a very lucky upbringing, but your experience will make you a far better doc!! Glad to hear you're taking such a leap at 50!! They will probably never get it, so just shake your wise head and walk away.

Answer 3

For communication to occur, a mutual sender and a receiver is required.. If your aim is to influence the thinking of an indivdual or a group, then you must first have their attention. How you do that is up to you. Divide and conquer or conduct a session without the individual who is merely noise. Most people are reasonable and rational, and most are tentative about expressing their thoughts in groups. If you feel your message is important enough, then you will find away to effectively communicate it.

Answer 4

Ah, the gang mentality. You'd think it would just be in the ghetto or with the "uneducated rednecks", but no, it's everywhere.

Your best bet is to work on them one by one, individually. Corner one of them when s/he is by her/himself and start a conversation. Ask them questions about themselves, did they have a good weekend, etc. Chances are, without the support of the "gang" s/he will be unlikely to have the guts to shoot you down, or ignore you, face to face.

Once they start to see you as a "real person" on an individual level it will be much more difficult for them to pick on you, even as part of the group.

There is a group like this where I work. I speak to them each individually, but will not approach them as a group. Most of them are fine on their own, but there are a couple of individuals I just can't stand. I just stay away from them and hang out with other people or do my own thing.

Answer 5

They feel threatened by your wisdom dear. Ignorance breeds fear! Let them wallow in their own hatred and it shall consume them like cancer! Have peace, and know that the Universe has it's way of dealing with these types, and you only need sit back & watch!
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups! Karma honey, keep yours clean, and you shall preveil!
Blessed Be...

Answer 6

Walk away. You do not need to be part of this kind of behavior. These are immature people and need to grow up.

Answer 7

Try to stay away, if possible. I know that sucks, but there is more of them than of you. May I ask, where is this happening to you?

Answer 8

Never show them that you care.
Always smile. (it's too easy for guys to say "OH, she's crazy." or "She's PMS")... so always smile.
And... change group.
Find people more mature...