You trust ways that have already been shown to work. So when a new idea comes up, you start by pointing out why it won't work.
When everyone is excited, you're often the one saying, "We tried that before, and it didn't work."
Your objections really have helped people avoid plenty of mistakes. But when the objection comes too quickly, the person who wanted to try loses heart: 'They won't even let me try.'
What you're good at
You slow down decisions made in excitement and make people think them through once more. You know which ways have already been shown to work and you say so clearly, so with you around, there are fewer reckless attempts.
What you often hear
- “You're too realistic.”
- “Let's try it first and then talk.”
What wears you out
It's exhausting to watch everyone rush after a new way that hasn't been tested. You can see exactly how it will turn out, but if you object you're the one spoiling the mood, and if you stay quiet you'll be cleaning up later, so neither option feels right.
For the people around you
You keep a relationship steady so it doesn't take on too much. But if you object first to the other person's new ideas, they may feel, 'Nothing's ever fun with this person.'
Worth trying
Before objecting, think first of "Let's try it on a small scale and then decide." It's not too late to speak up if it doesn't work once you've tried, and people take an objection made after trying much more seriously.