It Can Wait: The Art of Knowing When to 'Sit on It'!

While I don't always like to think of myself as a driver personality, I do have 'achiever' in my top five strengths (see StrengthsFinder.com), so I'm more naturally wired to get things done!

I really have to work on patience sometimes as there are always people and protocols which can be perceived as getting in the way of progress. Sometimes I can see the logic, but other times the hold ups are for reasons unknown. Something I've had to work on at times in my life is the waiting part...waiting to speak...waiting to act...waiting for protocols...waiting for red tape...waiting for approval...waiting to respond...waiting to address problems, etc., which brings me to today's topic: It Can Wait: The Art of Knowing When to 'Sit on It'!

Not everything needs to be addressed immediately...or even ever...I've noted--in the times I've been able to 'sit on it'--some things resolve themselves! 

For example, I've learned to 'sit on it' when I receive an email with someone stressed out about something--especially when it has a baiting feel (like if I answer, I'll get drawn into an argument). More than a few times, I've found allowing the other person to review what they've written with fresh eyes the next day often results in their retracting or restating what information they're really looking for in a more professional manner. Either way, further communication usually takes a more positive healthy upswing, which is better for everyone involved.

Since communication is my number one strength (see StrengthsFinder.com), I have no problem talking about whatever challenge is being faced, and tackling it head on for the best solutions. I can agree to disagree agreeably, and I've found this open communication allows everyone to know where each other stands at any given time. 

However, not everybody is able to this, so I have to be sensitive to those who can't handle such direct honesty. My observations and interactions have taught me there are actually people who would rather go through life totally oblivious to anything they perceive as negative. These are the same people who come to me to address certain issues as it stresses them out too much to deal with it. This can make me unpopular--or popular--depending on how my efforts are received, but I've always found I can take being unpopular if it means shining light on an issue ends in a better working environment for all involved.

If I perceive a molehill has been made into a mountain, however, I'm also comfortable illuminating that possibility for whoever's asking me to handle something. Just because I'm a friend or colleague doesn't mean I'll ever be great at sugar-coating. People can count on me to be straight with them, but I do try to be positive in my interactions as much as possible--whatever the situation. Nevertheless, as I progress in life, I'm finding more and more that we humans have a tendency to take ourselves and others too seriously at times, and that's usually not the healthiest mode of operation, if given a choice. 

I've observed other leaders who have mastered the art of sitting on it, and feel it's a better mode of operation than addressing every little thing that may need tweaking. People usually know when they've goofed something up. Why not praise them for what they're doing right and get more of that?

Has there been a time recently when you wished you'd been better at sitting on it rather than addressing it? If you're comfortable sharing in the Comments section below, I'd love to hear your story and learn from your experience as well. Maybe we can help each other know better when 'it can wait'!

Today's Quote:
“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” 
― Benjamin Franklin