Saboteurs

Content

1. Avoider „The Avoider“
2. Controller „The Dictator“
3. Hyper-Achiever „The High Achiever“
4. Hyper-Rational „The Cold Analyst“
5. Hyper-Vigilant „The Eternal Watchman“
6. Pleaser „The Pleaser“
7. Restless „The Restless One“
8. Stickler „The Perfectionist“
9. Victim „The Sufferer“

1. Avoider „The Avoider“

Natural Strengths of the Saboteur:

• Serenity and balanced temperament
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Striving for peace and harmony, both within oneself and with others
• Positive outlook on life and enjoyment of a relaxed lifestyle

Negative Consequences When Overused:

• Avoidance of tasks that seem unpleasant or challenging
• Procrastination leading to unresolved problems festering and growing larger
• Internal stress and guilt due to constant postponement of important matters

The Big Lie of the Saboteur:

• „I make your life more pleasant, peaceful, and beautiful.“ — In reality, avoiding challenges leads to more anxiety, stress, and guilt.

Strategy to Switch to the Sage Mode:

• Make the unpleasant task more interesting or enjoyable, e.g., by introducing small rewards.
• Start with a small, manageable step instead of forcing yourself to tackle everything at once.
• Celebrate the first step as a success to build momentum.

Core Question/Task:

• What is the smallest step I can take now, and how can I celebrate myself for it?

Attribute	Strength	Counterpart
Value	Serenity	Determination/Courage
Overuse	Avoidance/Procrastination	Hasty Frenzy

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2. Controller „The Dictator“

Natural Strengths of the Saboteur:

• Self-confidence, determination, and drive
• Clear action orientation and the will to make things happen
• Ability to take responsibility and mobilize others
• Capacity to make quick decisions

Negative Consequences When Overused:

• Compulsive control over people and processes, without considering other perspectives
• Employees or peers feeling controlled, leading to resistance or resignation
• Lack of true collaboration; long-term deterioration of relationships

The Big Lie of the Saboteur:

• „I am indispensable to ensure everything runs smoothly.“ — In truth, compulsive control makes others take less responsibility and withdraw in frustration.

Strategy to Switch to the Sage Mode:

• Turn your urge for control into positive leadership: lead and inspire with empathy, rather than pushing.
• Enable others to take responsibility through clear communication and encouragement.

Core Question/Task:

• How can I shape this situation so that others feel inclined to collaborate and take responsibility?

Attribute	Strength	Counterpart
Value	Determination	Letting Go/Trust
Overuse	Compulsive Control	Laissez-faire or Loss of Control

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3. Hyper-Achiever „The High Achiever“

Natural Strengths of the Saboteur:

• Strong performance orientation and drive for constant growth
• Pragmatism and goal orientation
• Ability to inspire oneself and others to strive for improvement

Negative Consequences When Overused:

• Conditional self-love, dependent on continuous successes
• Constant restlessness, always seeking the next achievement, without enjoying the present
• Risk of becoming a workaholic and neglecting one’s well-being

The Big Lie of the Saboteur:

• „I am necessary to be truly successful and happy.“ — In reality, constant striving for success often leads to dissatisfaction and lack of self-acceptance.

Strategy to Switch to the Sage Mode:

• Focus on ensuring self-love is not dependent on achievements.
• Enjoy the process and find positivity in the journey, not just in the destination.

Core Question/Task:

• How can I enjoy the here and now and stop defining myself solely by the next achievement?

Attribute	Strength	Counterpart
Value	Performance Orientation	Self-Acceptance
Overuse	Workaholism and Conditional Self-Love	Indifference to Goals and Ambitions

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4. Hyper-Rational „The Cold Analyst“

Natural Strengths of the Saboteur:

• Strong ability to solve problems analytically and objectively
• Rational and logical decision-making
• High capacity for objectivity in difficult situations

Negative Consequences When Overused:

• Ignoring the importance of emotions in relationships
• Inability to show empathy, which diminishes the depth and quality of relationships
• Lack of inspiration or motivation for others

The Big Lie of the Saboteur:

• „I am good for you because I help you make better decisions.“ — Without emotional involvement, important aspects that are key to motivation and bonding can be overlooked.

Strategy to Switch to the Sage Mode:

• Use empathy to better understand your own and others‘ emotions.
• Ask people how they feel and acknowledge their emotions consciously.

Core Question/Task:

• What emotions are at play, and how can I acknowledge them with openness and empathy?

Attribute	Strength	Counterpart
Value	Rational Objectivity	Empathy
Overuse	Emotional Detachment	Emotional Overwhelm

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5. Hyper-Vigilant „The Eternal Watchman“

Natural Strengths of the Saboteur:

• High level of vigilance that helps identify real dangers
• Ability to take responsibility for oneself and others
• Reliability as a protective member of a community

Negative Consequences When Overused:

• Constant fear and tension, even when no real danger exists
• Exhaustion from excessive focus on possible risks
• Negative impact on the well-being of yourself and those around you

The Big Lie of the Saboteur:

• „I must always be vigilant to protect myself and others.“ — Too much vigilance can lead to a failure to recognize genuinely important dangers.

Strategy to Switch to the Sage Mode:

• Use the vigilance grid: Ask yourself if the risk is genuinely relevant and how much control you have over it.
• Anchor yourself in the moment to counter excessive worries.

Core Question/Task:

• Is this a real danger, or does it fall into the category of exaggerated worries?

Attribute	Strength	Counterpart
Value	Vigilance	Trust and Serenity
Overuse	Excessive Fear	Naivety or Reckless Carefreeness

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6. Pleaser „The Pleaser“

Natural Strengths of the Saboteur:

• Empathy, love, and care for others
• Strong ability to perceive the needs of others
• Willingness to help and support others

Negative Consequences When Overused:

• Neglecting one’s own needs for the sake of others
• Exhaustion and inner frustration due to constant people-pleasing
• Less honest and deep relationships, as the focus is solely on others‘ needs

The Big Lie of the Saboteur:

• „If I serve others, they will like and appreciate me.“ — In truth, excessive giving often leads to exhaustion and others taking your giving for granted.

Strategy to Switch to the Sage Mode:

• Assess whether your helping is genuinely voluntary or driven by fear of rejection.
• Ask yourself: „What do I need in this situation, and how can I communicate that clearly?“
• Set clear boundaries to maintain a balance between giving and taking.

Core Question/Task:

• Am I serving out of love, or out of fear of rejection?

Attribute	Strength	Counterpart
Value	Empathy and Care	Self-care and Boundaries
Overuse	Self-Sacrifice	Egoism or Emotional Distance

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7. Restless „The Restless One“

Natural Strengths of the Saboteur:

• High energy and vitality
• Enthusiasm for new experiences and projects
• Ability to handle many things simultaneously

Negative Consequences When Overused:

• Difficulty being present in the moment and finishing things
• Superficial relationships and lack of depth in projects
• Constant search for the next „kick,“ without enjoying the now

The Big Lie of the Saboteur:

• „I must constantly experience new things to feel fulfilled.“ — In truth, this constant pursuit prevents true satisfaction in the present.

Strategy to Switch to the Sage Mode:

• Become aware of what is good and valuable in the current moment.
• Practice mindfulness to focus fully on the here and now.
• Learn to accept imperfection and enjoy the moment without chasing the next big thing.

Core Question/Task:

• How can I be present at this moment and appreciate it?

Attribute	Strength	Counterpart
Value	Energy and Enthusiasm	Mindfulness and Presence
Overuse	Restlessness	Stagnation or Lack of Initiative

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8. Stickler „The Perfectionist“

Natural Strengths of the Saboteur:

• High standards of quality and precision
• Ability to bring order to chaos
• Reliability and discipline

Negative Consequences When Overused:

• Excessive control and criticism towards oneself and others
• Inability to let go and see the good in imperfection
• Stress and frustration from wanting everything to be perfect

The Big Lie of the Saboteur:

• „I must be perfect to be valuable.“ — In truth, the drive for perfection can lead to exhaustion and unproductive relationships.

Strategy to Switch to the Sage Mode:

• Differentiate between what truly needs to be perfect and what is „good enough.“
• Accept mistakes as part of the growth process.
• Learn to view yourself and others with compassion and understanding.

Core Question/Task:

• Does this really need to be perfect, or is good enough actually good enough?

Attribute	Strength	Counterpart
Value	Accuracy and Reliability	Acceptance of „Good Enough“
Overuse	Perfectionism	Carelessness or Disorder

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9. Victim „The Sufferer“

Natural Strengths of the Saboteur:

• Sensitivity and the ability to deeply feel one’s own emotions
• Empathy for others and a willingness to stand up for justice
• Ability for introspection and self-reflection

Negative Consequences When Overused:

• Constant self-absorption and entanglement in negative emotions
• Manipulating others to gain sympathy
• Difficulty taking personal responsibility and finding solutions

The Big Lie of the Saboteur:

• „If I suffer, I will be loved and get attention.“ — In truth, staying in the victim role leads to isolation and a lack of self-efficacy.

Strategy to Switch to the Sage Mode:

• Take responsibility for your feelings without denying them.
• Actively seek solutions instead of sympathy.
• Practice gratitude and recognize the positive aspects of your life.

Core Question/Task:

• How can I take responsibility for my situation and look for a positive change?

Attribute	Strength	Counterpart
Value	Sensitivity and Self-Reflection	Personal Responsibility
Overuse	Victim Role and Manipulation	Emotional Distance or Coldness