Collateral Damage Checklist: Where are YOU?

Here are a few examples of common Type A top performer behaviors which create collateral damage. The more often these behaviors occur and the more pronounced they are, the greater the likelihood you are creating or will create collateral damage.

Are you headed for a collateral damage train wreck? Take a look and see.

No one is going to see this but you, so BE HONEST with yourself.

Including time I work at home, I tend to work more than 40 hours per week.

I get impatient quickly.

I have more to do than can be reasonably accomplished by one person.

I have a tendency to set unrealistic expectations for myself and others.

I am frequently in a rush.

I often feel stressed.

I strive to get things done as perfectly as possible.

I prefer to do things by myself.

I don’t like to ask for help.

I prefer to avoid conflict if at all possible.

I find it very irritating when other people make mistakes.

I keep my opinion to myself if I think it will cause problems.

It doesn’t take much to make me angry.

If someone is critical of my work, I get defensive.

I have difficulty admitting my flaws or mistakes.

When there’s a problem, I look for the person who caused it.

I want to make sure I am needed.

I hate to lose.

I find arguing to be an enjoyable sport.

There are some people I treat better than other people.

When things become stressful, I withdraw.

I can’t stand it if I think someone or something is wasting my time.

If things are moving too slowly, I jump in and make things happen.

I often find myself in immersed in office politics.

I can talk people into doing just about anything.

I love the thrill of taking a big risk.

If necessary, I don’t think twice about cutting corners or bending the rules if it’s going to accomplish whatever is desired.

When I feel slighted or disrespected, I like to get even.

It’s important to me to standout at work.

My goals are often more important than other people’s goals.

How did you do? Did you check one or more behaviors?

If so, there is a strong possibility you may be creating internal collateral damage and/or external collateral damage.

Recommendation: Take corrective action to avoid the train wreck.