Decision Making/Problem Solving
Organization
(Focus & Organization, Time Utilization, Priority Focus)
Problem Anticipation
(Planning, Long Range Thinking)
Analytical Thinking
(Detail Orientation, Detailed Analysis)
Innovative Thinking
(Creativity)
Practical Problem Solving
(Practical Thinking, Common Sense, Realistic Thinking)
People Leadership
Assertiveness
(Ability to Take Charge, Willingness to Take Charge)
Tough-Mindedness
(Conflict Management, Holding Team Accountable)
Positive People Orientation
(People Relations)
Insight
(Interpersonal Insight)
Work Style
Drive & Energy
(Action Orientation, Stamina)
Self-Reliance
(Independent Initiative, Self-Motivation, Initiative)
Process Orientation
(Need for Structure, Acceptance of Authority, Rule Orientation)
Flexibility
(Multi-Tasking, Need for Diversion)
Results Focus
(Results Orientation)
Accommodation
(Service Orientation, Team Orientation)
Personal Characteristics
Self-Discipline
(Conscientiousness, Responsibility, Restraint)
Emotional Consistency
(Capacity to Handle Pressure, Stress Tolerance, Resilience)
Objectivity of Viewpoint
(Objectivity, Criticism Tolerance)
Confidence
(Self-Assuredness, Self-Confidence)
Learning Agility
Quantitative Reasoning
(Numeric Reasoning)
Navigating the Resources
- Read the information below about the trait to develop a greater understanding of your strength/opportunity.
- Consider the Stop, Start, Continue examples to create your own actionable change behaviors.
- Explore the trait more fully by taking advantage of the weblinks below.
Tough-Mindedness
(Holding Team Accountable, Conflict Management)
Tough-mindedness measures the extent to which you are able to directly handle conflict, address problems, and hold others accountable. Explore the resources to gain a greater understanding of tough-mindedness and how it impacts your ability to be successful in the workplace.
Strength
Higher levels of tough-mindedness indicate you will promptly address issues and provide others with clear, straightforward feedback.
Opportunity
Lower levels of tough-mindedness indicate you likely shy away from conflict and tend to be too willing to compromise.
Excess
Excessive levels of tough-mindedness indicate you may be argumentative and overly competitive.
Identify an opportunity area that you would like to change. Then, develop behaviors that you can Stop (unhelpful or limiting behaviors), Start (behaviors that you can begin now), and Continue (behaviors that you already do well) to improve in this area. Use the examples below to help create your own Stop, Start, and Continue behaviors.
| Stop | Start | Continue |
| Shying away from conflict. | Preparing what you will say ahead of time to be direct yet tactful about the problem. | Communicating your goals. |
| Backing down or compromising on issues important to you. | Being clear but firm as you take your stance. | Preparing what you will say without a full script. |
| Allowing others to fail to perform. | Providing straightforward feedback to others when they fail to meet standards. | Preparing ideas ahead of time to bring to meetings. |
Tough-Mindedness Weblinks for Development:
How to Handle Difficult Conversations at Work
Being Heard: 6 Strategies for Getting Your Point Across
8 Tips for Giving Great Peer Feedback
Tough-Mindedness Leadership Weblinks for Development:
How To Hold Your Team Accountable (Without Micromanaging)
6 Actions Even the Least Confrontational Managers Must Take to Hold Employees Accountable
3 Steps to Give Tough but Effective Feedback to Your Employees