Making dumb moves is not the exclusive domain of the intellectually challenged.
Every now and then I have a tendency to react to a situation in a way that is less than ideal.
The implication is not that I am smart — the implication is that I have a tendency to react in haste. I can see my wife smiling with that know it all look that says, “I told you so.”
The fire, ready, aim, school of thought must evolve into a seasoned approach to solving problems. The tendency is to react quickly, with a laser focus on the issue, and to use a tone that can be perceived to be brash and insensitive. I am certainly getting better at being calm, but I do get occasionally bitten by the impatience bug.
Note to self — don’t talk, call or write an email when upset.
Breathe, wait a few hours, and then respond in a measure tone.
The advantage? It cuts down dramatically on the apologies and the groveling.
About Hemant Rustogi