Thinking Things Through - June 2008

THINKING THINGS THROUGH
June 2008

It’s a self-preservation strategy.

Life does come at us fast, as the television commercial tells us. Sometimes it comes at us through the surprising words and actions of people we work with, people we love, and strangers in public. How can we keep our equilibrium when the natural reaction might be to retaliate, defend, insist, or push back?

Faced with challenging circumstances, here’s the philosophy I work from.

Effective communication is a self-preservation strategy.

Please don’t be misled by the words “self-preservation.” While it’s true that one of my goals is to maintain my personal tranquility, I am also focused on others. Responding peacefully to even the most difficult circumstances has the potential to affect everyone involved, to significantly and profoundly influence the event as well as the outcome.

Self-preservation begins with a dedication to remaining calm so that we can “think things through.” Every time we remain calm we reduce frustration, solidify relationships, streamline processes, and reduce the likelihood that an apology will be necessary (an act that seems fairly difficult for many people). When we are calm it is more likely that we will show empathy, listen, make good decisions, respond effectively, and learn.

Five words fly-posted around England during World War II offered a simple reminder: “Keep calm and carry on.” Seems these words have great application to our everyday interactions.

Diane Grigg: Speaker/Coach/Mediator
Telephone 847-965-8970
www.dianegrigg.com