Are You Difficult? Flashcards
Trait:
Stubbornness - your opinions are the only ones that count. You have an inflexible attitude, and make others feel like interaction with you is a battle rather than a dialogue.
Tip to stabilize this trait:
Recognize that being stubborn doesn’t mean you’re always wrong, but it does mean you’re missing out on different perspectives.
Pause and ask yourself is it truly a fundamental issue, or are you just averse to changing your viewpoint?
Trait:
Pessimism - Your default setting is to expect the worst, perpetually pointing out flaws or the things that can go wrong.
Tip to stabilize this trait:
Recognize your pessimistic tendencies. Try to catch yourself before you speak negatively.
Find something positive in every situation, such as appreciating a good cup of coffee or acknowledging a job well done. Little doses of positivity can go a long way in changing your outlook — and how people perceive you.
Trait:
Defensiveness - You see yourself as the one who can do no wrong. When things don’t go right it is always someone else’s fault.
When someone points out something you could do better or offers you constructive criticism you get defensive and make excuses why your work was not as good as it could have been.
Tip to stabilize this trait:
Have the maturity to face constructive criticism head-on. Swap defensiveness for curiosity. Ask questions instead of making an excuse. For example, “can you help me understand what you mean?”
Accept your imperfections and respond professionally. What defines us is how we react to those moments.
Trait:
Controlling Nature - You micromanage every little thing your staff and family members do and must have a say in practically every decision made.
You make others feel restricted, and perhaps even suffocated.
You want a sense of control over your life, and that desire extends into trying to control others.
Tip to stabilize this trait:
Replace the urge to control with a willingness to support.
Offer guidance or advice when asked rather than telling them what to do.
Allow others to make the right choices for themselves.
Trait:
Arrogance - You act as though you have all the answers and disregard the opinions or feelings of others.
You send messages that you believe you’re better than everyone else.
Although you are confident and have self-assurance, you portray it in an arrogant way
Tip to stabilize this trait:
Turn your arrogance into humility. Start by acknowledging that everyone has something valuable to bring to the table.
Practice active listening. Hear what the other person is saying and openly consider their viewpoint.
Trait:
Self-centeredness - You constantly put your own needs, wants, and feelings ahead of everyone else’s, whether it’s dominating conversations or making plans that only benefit you.
Tip to stabilize this trait:
Acknowledge the needs and feelings of others. You do not have to sacrifice your own needs but try to find a balance that respects everyone involved.
Practice empathy; put yourself in other people’s shoes and try to understand where they’re coming from.
Allow others to contribute, speak, and take the lead sometimes.
Learn to share the spotlight, it’s not all about you.
Trait:
Unreliability - You have a pattern of being someone who’s always late, offering help that you never follow through with, or make promises that you seldom keep. People can’t count on you to be where you say you’ll be or do what you say you’ll do.
Tip to stabilize this trait:
Acknowledge your patterns and start investigating the reasons behind them.
Use tools like calendars, reminders, or to-do lists to keep you on track.
Be realistic about what you can commit to in the first place.
Say no upfront instead of making a promise you can’t keep.
