Recognize It

Imagine you’re having a conversation with someone.

Something they say triggers you.

When that happens, do you have a tool to help you address the trigger in a meaningful way?

If not, you need the RIR Protocol?.

The RIR Protocol consists of three steps: recognize it, interrupt it, and repair it.

Recognition means noticing what a statement, action, or situation makes you feel.

You need to understand what your reaction is when a certain feeling is triggered.

Then, you can mitigate that reaction.

The goal is to stop reacting and start responding.

This distinction is critical because your feelings dictate how you make your decisions.

Recognizing them puts you back in the driver’s seat.

It allows you to differentiate between your internal discomfort and the discomfort of a situation.

If anger is triggered in me, I know I have to ride my emotional wave.

If I don’t, then my reaction will be more volatile—and probably not productive.

In acknowledging feelings that elicit certain reactions, I can check them before they come out.

Once I’ve done that, I can interrupt:

Instead of reacting and possibly blowing up the situation, I can respond by asking a question.

While the other person talks, I can catch my breath and get grounded.

And, ultimately, engage in Compassionate Dialogue?.

#letstalkaboutrace #drnancydome #equity #compassion #compassionatedialogue #communication #communicationtechniques #rirprotocol

Learn more about the RIR Protocol in Dr. Nancy Dome's book, Let’s Talk About Race (and Other Hard Things).