(no subject)
What is your worst character flaw?
I think it's not knowing when I'm coming on too strong. I've been accused of biting people's heads off for no reason, and although I would argue that there was certainly a reason, I guess the biting hasn't always been necessary. Benjamin liked to remind me that my first words to him were a complaint that he'd probably be wanting his desk, rather than a greeting or even some sign of appreciation that he was there to take over some of the work. I'm not very good at delegating, sometimes, either, which I think is part of the same problem: when I know that I can do something, I have a tendency to think I should do it myself, even if there are people better able and better suited for the task.
Diplomacy has been a slow lesson for me. I remember how horrified I was, just after Damar learned of the deaths of his family, when instead of telling him that I understood -- Prophets, how I understood -- I reminded him of what his people had done to mine. The instant the words were out of my mouth, I knew it had been an awful thing to say, even though Garak told me that in that case it was probably the right moment, the words would have made an impact...but Damar is as tough as I am, and that's not true of everyone. Some of these Starfleet people I have to negotiate with, and the Vedeks, and the infuriating smiling Federation representatives...I need to remember to be careful.
I think it's not knowing when I'm coming on too strong. I've been accused of biting people's heads off for no reason, and although I would argue that there was certainly a reason, I guess the biting hasn't always been necessary. Benjamin liked to remind me that my first words to him were a complaint that he'd probably be wanting his desk, rather than a greeting or even some sign of appreciation that he was there to take over some of the work. I'm not very good at delegating, sometimes, either, which I think is part of the same problem: when I know that I can do something, I have a tendency to think I should do it myself, even if there are people better able and better suited for the task.
Diplomacy has been a slow lesson for me. I remember how horrified I was, just after Damar learned of the deaths of his family, when instead of telling him that I understood -- Prophets, how I understood -- I reminded him of what his people had done to mine. The instant the words were out of my mouth, I knew it had been an awful thing to say, even though Garak told me that in that case it was probably the right moment, the words would have made an impact...but Damar is as tough as I am, and that's not true of everyone. Some of these Starfleet people I have to negotiate with, and the Vedeks, and the infuriating smiling Federation representatives...I need to remember to be careful.