React Vs. Respond - The Business Edge

While it is true that reaction and response sound very similar, they are in fact, very diverse in their implications. Here, we will explain why this is such an important trait to follow as a productive member of the business world. Certainly, we can all recall a time when we reacted to a situation that, when all was said and done, feelings were hurt and points were missed? Did you find yourself wishing you could have taken back what was said or done? Or handled it differently? Any one of us involved in any kind of relationship, whether the relationship is parent and child, friend to friend, partner to partner, or you and your pet hamster, will have answered "yes" to all three questions. Don't fret! There's hope yet! Reacting to situations and occurrences is simply what makes us the lovable, quirky little forms of life known as humans.

The good news is, you have a choice of turning those impulse reactions into well-thought out responses. However, before we continue, let's clarify the difference between a natural reaction and a reaction that can be turned into a response. When you or someone you care for, or are concerned for, is in harms way, it is a natural reaction to automatically protect them and/or yourself. That is a reaction that does not need to be thought out. When you are strolling to the local grocery store and someone jumps out from a dark alleyway in attempts to cut at your throat and steal your booty, you react. No need for time consuming thoughts on how to respond there. Protect yourself or be harmed! That's a no brainer right? Another example; your significant other surprises you with a 3 carat platinum diamond engagement ring. You have adored and loved this person for so long that your natural reaction is absolute unadulterated happiness and joy. No need for well-thought out response time here either. This form of reaction is a positive outburst. No one is hurt and no point is lost. At that very moment, your authentic self is shining through with no future consequence or regrets of how that reaction may have affected others.