This is a general help to working in an virtual world ... for the record I came to the following realization 2+ years ago - well before COVID.
So, how did I come by this approach ...
Summary
- Be aware when a communication (written, verbal, non-verbal) causes an emotional response. This can be anger, confusion, sadness and even happiness.
- Set
it aside for a period of time commensurate with the degree of emotional
response you feel. The stronger the emotion, the longer the time.
- After cooling off, re-read it or replay it in your mind. If you get emotionally triggered again, go to step 2.
- Reflection
- For
written communications read it through in its entirety- pause for a
minute and then rinse and repeat! Black out the zero-content words
& phrases (I sometimes take a marker and block them out) and look
for the key content.
- For verbal / non-verbal communications, think them through and think about why you had the emotional response, what exactly evoked it and (most importantly) what did you do / say that may caused them to react?
- Take Action
- Written Comms: Write a careful response looking at the key elements.
- Verbal /Non-Verbal: Be aware of your triggers and emotional state. Think in advance how you will handle and re-direct the trigger.
Conclusion
We are all susceptible to emotional triggers that cause us to react instead of respond. The more we are unaware of our emotional state, the more we can be manipulated by people adept at such maneuvers.
So, be aware of your emotions, be wary of your reaction. Your emotions are telling you that something in your sub-conscious has recognized a pattern. You need to check if there is a rational foundation (ie.think principles).
It is important to pause and reflect, in this age of immediate gratification, we are too quick and react poorly.
P^3
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