Whether you are looking for clients or a new employer you want to avoid someone who has a difficult personality. I’ve been in private practice for many years, first as a psychotherapist and later as a personal, business and career coach. I know the importance of having good qualifying questions and especially ones designed to screen for a difficult personality.
Why do you want to avoid working with a difficult person? Simply speaking it’s just not fun and no matter how much they pay you in the end it’s not worth it. Self responsibility is not something they easily if ever embrace. They transfer their frustrations onto you. It may not be intentional, but nevertheless it’s very unpleasant.
My Questions:
1. Have you ever worked with a professional counselor, coach or consultant? How about other professional service providers, such as an accountant, attorney, financial advisor, physical therapist, chiropractor, hairdresser… If so, have you ever had a bad experience? Ask for some details.
If someone reports several bad experiences that initially started out well, then beware! They may like you now but I promise it won’t be too long before you go into the “bad” bucket. My advice… Don’t work with them!
2. Have you ever fired or been fired by a professional service provider? If you were fired, did they tell you why? Why have you fired people? What did you learn from these experiences?
People with a difficult personality tend to fire professionals. They get mad or angry and decide they need to find someone else who will better meet their needs… which by the way are impossible to meet. They will get fired but not as often as they fire someone or quit.
3. How do you typically handle disappointment, disagreements or frustration? Do you blame the other person, the situation or yourself? When you get frustrated how long do you complain before taking action to make the situation better?
Self Responsibility is critical for having healthy and successful relationships. People with difficult personalities tend to blame and complain a lot. Blaming and Complaining leads to nowhere good. Only by pointing the finger back at yourself and saying “What can I do to make this situation better” will you have more of what you want.
Happy picking and Happy Thanksgiving!!
MarGO!
Professional Counselor and Business, Career, Life Coach
404-218-4559
MargoGeller@Gmail.com
www.MargoGeller.com
