Responding vs. Reacting

Responding vs. Reacting

Picture this: you and your significant other are on your way to your favorite restaurant and suddenly, a misunderstood look leads to irritation and an early return home. Or remember the game "Telephone" from your school days? How the initial word transformed into something completely different by the end? Well, similar misunderstandings can occur in our work environments, affecting our relationships.

But fear not! In today's blog, we're diving into some empowering tips to help you break free from this pattern and create more harmonious connections:

  • Get all the facts.?Before jumping to conclusions, seek out all the facts. Prevent those fabricated scenarios in your head by ensuring you know what truly transpired. If a third party is involved, seek clarity from them to gain a better understanding of the situation.
  • See the whole picture.?Often, we only grasp one perspective with partial pictures, stepping back and asking yourself, "What is really happening?" before reacting will grant you a broader perspective to respond more effectively.
  • Ask questions.?Pause, find a quiet place, and ask yourself some introspective questions. "Is what I see real?" "Could there be alternative explanations?" Seeking a qualified independent opinion can enhance emotional intelligence and prevent impulsive reactions that may harm relationships.
  • Shift your perspective.?Empathy is a powerful tool. Try to see things from the other person's vantage point. What motivates them? Can you help them communicate more effectively? By adopting this perspective, you'll nurture stronger, more trusting and more effective relationships.

Next time you feel the urge to react, let these techniques guide you towards a more compassionate and rational response. Developing meaningful workplace relationships is vital and these practices will surely help you achieve that!?I'm eager to hear your techniques and thoughts on this topic. Building and maintaining effective relationships in the workplace is crucial for success!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Dean

Kathrin Husler

Taylor & Francis | Routledge | CRC Press | I connect people with ideas that advance knowledge and enrich lives

1 年

With email being a top tool of communication at the workplace, this is an important reminder for our writing process. While a first draft might include some reactivity, the final product that gets sent should be in service of our communication goals. Empathy should be our #1 guide when revising our reactions into a response.

Regina Milkovich, ENP, CMCP

Telecommunications Supervisor at Goodyear Police Department

1 年

With an employee, I know I need to have all the facts before I make a decision on how to react or not react. By and large, I'm successful at doing so. But I sure do struggle with the relationships going up the chain and not taking a comment or action the wrong way. After reading this, I'll be slowing down and attempting to switch my perspective before reacting.

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