React...or
Respond?
By Jerry D.
Posner
This
is an extremely useful question to ask yourself..."What's the difference?"
RESPOND:
Think before you speak. Consider the probable and possible consequences
of your actions. Choose to communicate and behave as the experienced adult
that you are. Like Dr. Covey wrote in his popular book Seven Habits
of Highly Effective People, "begin with the end in mind."
REACT:
Instant. No thinking. No consideration of consequences. No conscious choice.
Often emotionally charged. Could sound like an angry child or temperamental
adolescent! Can make mucho trouble!
We can "train the brain" to RESPOND rather that REACT to
situations, circumstances and people by using the "magic
repetition factor!" That's right! Every day, remind yourself
to think before you speak. Make "response-ability" your new
habit.
So, before you lose your cool, count to ten, breathe, and consider the
negative impact of the tantrum ... or the positive impact of successfully
resolving the conflict. Then you can make a better decision of how you
want to act and what you want to say -- to a customer, coworker, friend,
spouse ... anyone! Learn to base your choices on the outcomes you most
desire, and you'll become a master of "response-ability" before
you know it!