How will you deal with a talented but abrasive manager?

First thing to notice is that even if they are abrasive they are still at company because of multiple reasons but one for sure is because they have talent(as per questio

1. Recognise their talent and acknowledge their expertise
2. For any disagreement, ask what they think about situation and why they think in opposing way
   1. Key point here is that - as a PM we should not only be empathetic to users but also to stakeholders
   2. Develop active listening and by understnading their motives, you can reduce friction to some extent
3. Identify what behaviors trigger rudeness in them.
   1. Try to keep small talk as  minimal  as possible as this could feed their abrasiveness
4. When they are rude, dont respond immediately, take your time and respond later in a neutral way
   1. If you think that them being rude is sending a signal to team, try to discuss 1:1 with them and set clear boundaries.
      1. If things don't imporve , escalate it.
5. Remember that just because someone is talented, they cant walk all over you, because your reputation will be on line as this sends a signal to all stakeholders who are in call, that not only about this rude guy but also about you - that you are a mat that people can walk over - if you've not handled the situation well. Trust is very key for PM and if that is taking hit, escalate the situation by providing proofs of all incidents and highlihg how even though you've provided chance for them to develop, still things haven't improved