What does it mean to have an abrasive personality?
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Abrasive people are often the ones with a commanding and domineering presence, psychologist Dr. Mindy Beth Lipson tells Bustle. “They are often very skilled in commanding an audience and show little patience with others,” Dr. Lipson says. Abrasive individuals can be very intelligent and analytical.
How do I control my abrasive personality?
In every case, the only effective approach to correct or change the behavior is to be direct and have the conversation in private. Indirect methods, hinting and soft approaches will be ineffective and might even increase the person’s abrasiveness.

What are the two types of abrasive personality?
Here are some of the classic indicators of an abrasive personality:
- They lack empathy.
- They make others feel awkward or inept.
- They are loud-mouthed and opinionated.
- They are intolerant of failure.
- They are intolerant of ‘gray’ areas.
- They are bossy and impatient.
- They are very direct.
- They have a domineering manner.
How do you address an abrasive employee?
Do:

- Plan ahead by thinking about what you wish to convey and how you want to convey it.
- State factual observations of your employee’s actions. Then describe the impact of the behavior and why you believe it’s problematic.
- Engage in joint problem solving.
How do you deal with abrasive coworkers?
If you find yourself working alongside an unbearable colleague, here are seven ways to handle the situation.
- Act impeccably.
- Observe the office dynamics.
- Be careful.
- Don’t let them sap your energy.
- Restore yourself outside of work.
- Know when to get help.
- Identify your limits.
How do you deal with an abrasive boss?
Four strategies you can implement to deal with abrasive leaders:
- Keep a calm composure—Showing any sense of fear or tentativeness will discredit you.
- Give the facts—Without specific, objective examples, the abrasive leader is likely to rationalize or make his problem seem like your problem.
How do you deal with an abrasive person at work?
What is a sandpaper friend?
Maria Jackson, of 6seconds, uses the term, “Sandpaper People” to describe those people who trigger strong emotions in us, often with little cause. She believes that these people can act like sandpaper on wood, bringing out the underlying grains and patterns.
Why do people become abrasive?
One of the most common traits of abrasive personalities is their high level of competitiveness. It is this desire to win, achieve, and dominate that drives much of their behavior. Challenging their ability to change can stimulate their competitive nature and turn it to work in their (and your) favor.
How do you deal with a high performing toxic employee?
Handling a toxic worker requires a certain finesse—and some strategy.
- Have a thoughtful discussion in private.
- Be prepared for pushback.
- Document everything.
- Offer constructive feedback in public.
- Comment on the behavior, not the character.
- Continue to grow as a manager.
How would you handle an abrasive captain or coworker?
Accept that you can’t change him, but you can change how you respond.
- Observe your boss as he interacts with you and your co-workers.
- Block out the abrasiveness whenever you can.
- Don’t take the behavior personally, unless you are the only target of his abrasiveness.
How to deal with an abrasive personality?
Take advantage of their competitiveness. One of the most common traits of abrasive personalities is their high level of competitiveness. It is this desire to win, achieve, and dominate that drives much of their behavior. Challenging their ability to change can stimulate their competitive nature and turn it to work in their (and your) favor.
What are some careers in personality psychology?
Careers in Personality Psychology. Clinical social workers help clients with personality and mental health disorders become active members of society. Many psychologists in the personality field work as researchers or as clinical and counseling psychologists. As a personality psychologist,…
What is a personality psychologist?
Personality psychology is the study of how humans feel or think about their interactions with the world around them. The chart below compares different careers that involve personality psychology. Personality psychologists study and treat personality issues in individuals and help organizations understand the human thought process.
Can an abrasive person ever change?
Even if the abrasive personality recognizes a need to change, it will frequently be on an intellectual level and won’t reflect a “gut-level” readiness that will drive them to change their behavior. For that, they have to have a selfish reason to change. Playing to their self-interest is a two-step process.