When should you contradict someone you know is wrong? 🤨
WAIT! Before you answer… consider the following scenarios:
❓When your account manager is making a bold statement to the client about how long it would take to implement the project which you know is untrue? 😣
❓When you’re in a client meeting and you’re the most junior in the room, and it’s a senior member of staff who’s making a statement you believe is incorrect? 😶
❓When someone presents your idea as their own in front of the Big Bosses? 😒
I’ve came aross this question quite a few times along with different scenarios, and have found myself to be quick in making a stand with my opinion.
BUT… on further reflection and gentle probing, I’ve found that the context and nuance can absolutely change the colour of the situation.
Almost always, the answer is, “Sometimes… it depends.” 😆😆
Ok ok, I know it sounds like a cop-out answer, but it’s absolutely true!
It’s important to be cognizant of the political dynamics of any given social situation so that you can respond appropriately.
Standing up for what you believe is the truth, and how you do it – will significantly affect the outcome that you want, so it pays to pay careful attention to the situation.
#EmotionalIntelligence plays a huge part in navigating the murky waters of social interactions.
When these situation crop up, here are a few questions to ask myself:
🍩What’s this emotion I am feeling?
🍩Why am I feeling this way?
🍩Is it because I feel wronged, or that I feel duty bound to be truthful?
🍩Is my identity wrapped up in how I choose the next step of action?
🍩What else could this mean?
🍩Am I really sure that I am correct, or in the right?
🍩What is the possible outcome if I share my thoughts/feelings openly?
🍩Is the situation a safe one for me to do so without negative repercussion?
🍩Who will gain or lose by this action I am about to take?
🍩What is the likely outcome – will it serve my needs?
🍩If so, will this be just for the short term or for the long term as well?
🍩How else can I approach this situation?
🍩What’s my intuition about the safest path to move forward?
🍩What will I lose if I choose to stay silent?
🍩Is it a correctible action if I find it to be the wrong step to take?
🍩What would Yoda do?
Depending on who I am and the social dynamics of the current group in the present interaction, I might speak up.
Or I might hold on until I can ask someone safe.
Regardless of the outcome, I am always paying attention and learning because that’s the only way I can grow.
During my session at Portugal Dreamin’, someone asked me – How can you learn Critical Thinking?
My answer: Just like everything else, it comes from making mistakes, reflecting, asking questions, and learning the lessons from the experience.
Being #SelfAware and asking #CriticalQuestions are two key components of learning quickly.
What do you think?
#DontBeTooHastyWithThatBigClub
