These unprecedented times which accurately can be labeled chaotic reinforce a basic tenet of smart business, smart living and smart lives.
Take a breath.
The onslaught of issues and imagery seem to demand an immediate, off-the-cuff and off-the-shelf reaction. In truth, what they demand is an action - one that is borne out of thoughtfulness and inquiry.
This is true in normal times as well. Think of how popular culture emphasizes the importance of "turn on a dime" thinking. Certainly the culture of many corporations is that the quickest answer is the best answer (not true). Reality shows, such as "Top Chef" and "Project Runway" and, yes, even "The Great British Baking Show," add rather severe timing elements to the tasks at hand so that the net result is not a winner who is ultimately the best, but one who can beat the clock and still come out ahead.
While I am a strong believer in timing as an ally - it goes both ways. Some of the biggest mistakes that I have made have been borne out of a belief that I needed to react more quickly than was necessary. In that reaction, I did not provide myself time to gather the necessary information, seek the required counsel, ask the right questions and, perhaps most importantly, center myself for the task at hand.
Both in "normal" times (are there really any "normal" times?) and these extreme times - to be at our best we must act, but we must act with intelligence, both moral and emotional.
Take a breath. Inquire. Contemplate. Center.
Then move on.
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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.
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