PeopleSmart in Business eBook - The Platinum Rule

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Four: Creating Personal Power Through Behavioral Adaptability
• predetermined views, conclusions, or patterns of behavior which
are non-negotiable
• a tendency to be negative about what may occur, especially if
points of view or opinions change
As you review the following statements, you can see the diff erences
in higher versus lower fl exibility.
Lower personal fl exibility
“What do you expect of me? Th at’s just the way I am. It’s me . . . my type
of person or style I’m stuck with . . . so I can’t do anything about it.”
Higher personal fl exibility
“Well, one thing I’ve learned is that each of us can be our own
worst enemy in our own unique way. Th at’s the real benefi t I’ve
gained from this type kind of behavioral style idea. Now, I realize
my more natural strengths, preferences and short suits. As a result,
I’ve made conscious eff orts to monitor these to make sure they stay
in the positive range while also learning how I can become better by
modifying myself, at times.”
Lower personal fl exibility
“Look, each of us has our own cross to bear in terms of other people.
I can’t be expected to get along with everyone. Th ere are such things
as personality confl icts and that’s all there is to it. So I try to seek those
people I get along with and stay away from all those other types that
pose problems for me—and themselves, too.”
Higher personal fl exibility
“Obviously, since no two people are identical and there are few Prince
Charming/Cinderella matches in the real world, each of us has to work
at our relationships if we want them to be mutually satisfying. Th is