Step Away From The Vehicle

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By  Coach Maggie Sabatier-Smith  on   Sep, 28 2011
Split-second Potential Conflict Alert System – Do you have one?
 
There are times in our busy lives when we suddenly reach a point where the next word we speak may very well be the beginning of a conflict. The actual conflict is taking place inside of us. How to respond: from our rational mind, our emotions, or for some of us, draw on God's wisdom?
It's easily a split second decision point. Think back. I'm guessing there have been a few times when your response was brilliant, conflict averted and it all resulted in positive outcomes. On the other hand, there were those times when maybe, well, we could have done better.
I've got some great success stories in my experience bank and there are some really “not-so-good” stories as well. As a result, I've learned some things which I'll pass on to you today.  
Not all moments are created equal; recognize your trigger moment.  How do you know this is one of “those” moments where self-management is perhaps the better choice? This is different for each of us but for me… my body and mind speak to me. It's an incredible phenomenon. Picture this: The voice in my head says, “Oh no; you didn't!” Then, almost simultaneously my head snaps towards the source, my left hand goes on my hip and my right hand shoots up with index finger pointing (a Cuban heritage thing), and my mouth—lock and load—is ready to…
Exercise the split-second pause. I've taught myself to recognize these moments and when I do, I hear the words, STEP AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE! This makes me smile and I begin to breathe regularly. The scene freezes, all activity stops while I draw from the truth that resides in me.
Recover—do the next “best” thing. Check in with your motivation. What's the purpose of the words you are about to speak? Will there be positive outcomes or is this the beginning of a pretty messy situation. This is your decision. Personally, I've learned that it takes just too much energy to clean-up after lashing out. No good has ever come from that. I've learned that the words that come out of my mouth define “me.”
 
Step Away From the Vehicle!

Side Note: Humor helps me un-sizzle. Why not try it?
Leaders: Take time to understand and practice self-management.

About the Author:
Maggie Sabatier-Smith is Called To Action; she coaches leaders to be Strategic Communicators living a Balanced Healthier Life. A speaker, coach, and catalyst for change, Coach Maggie attracts clients that are focused on personal development, compelled to live a life that matters and willing to take action. Together they partner to identify mission, cast a vision, remove self-defeating patterns and create the habits of a successful leader.

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