In principle, my initial reaction—my first thought—is very rarely my best thought. Often my first thought is absurd and shows me how not to react.
Like first brush strokes on a canvas, first thoughts provide a starting place for more refined thoughts, for subsequent brush strokes. First thoughts, like initial brush strokes, are rarely worth sharing. In fact, sharing first thoughts can be deeply counter-productive to good group decisions.
Practical Tip: Just because I think something, doesn’t mean I have to say it or act on it. When we share first thoughts we run a substantial risk of offending others, saying things we will regret, and requiring the group to spend time on issues that turn out to be a waste of time. Best to sit with our thoughts until a clear picture emerges of what we want to say.
– Craig Freshley
Click here for one-page PDF of this Tip, a great way to print or share.
Great reminder……Thanks….