Page 14 - D11 Dainfern Precinct Living December 2021

BUSINESS

Don’t be a

(knee)
JERK

BY TERESA RICHARDSON

n a crisis, we can all slip into knee Here are a couple of knee jerk and irresponsible.
jerk reactions. No sooner have behaviours to avoid that could 4. Labels. In tough moments,
Ithose words left our lips than we make matters worse: communicate with specifics.
quickly find out that our knee jerk Labels cause trouble and they’re
reactions don’t protect us or make 1. Verbal punches. Punching rarely true.
us look good. We may have in fact back will only drive people away. 5. Revenge. Especially if you
made things a whole lot worse by Ask questions and listen for the have power, this taints the culture
reacting too soon. facts. If someone is being with toxic fear that lasts for a very
verbally abusive to you, don’t long time.
We’ve all witnessed an example of punch back. Instead, state clearly 6. Avoidance. You may need to
the consequences of a knee jerk that you expect basic human take a step back for a moment to
reaction approach in the latest news respect. gain your composure. But don’t
around Omicron, right? 2. Extremism. If someone is avoid trouble altogether as this
criticising your behaviour, will make you seem incapable.
Knee jerk reactions have one perhaps they could see you as Learn to face your fears and your
common, horrible effect — they someone that’s too aggressive. career will soar.
destroy trust. Whether you are a Ask for examples and grow from 7. Blaming others. This never
leader or a team member, it’s critical the feedback. goes down well and blaming
that others can trust that you will be 3. Defensiveness. This is others as an immediate response
mature, civil, respectful, and open to the common one that makes you to trouble is just not acceptable
dialogue. look insecure, immature and very damaging.

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