In this world of immediacy and social media it is very easy to write in haste and send too soon, driven by the expectations of an instant response. I have seen many a person try to recall an e-mail written in the heat of emotion and often urged a colleague that it may be advisable to ‘sleep on it’ before sending this particularly acidic response. Technology now allows us to send or post our immediate reactions, that often do not serve us well.
This week I was introduced to a mnemonic that I plan to use in future to help me evaluate my electronic communications, THINK.
Is what I have written a True reflection of events or simply my opinion and my perspective. Can I evidence the points made or are the arguments evaluative and bias? Am I being Honest in the communication, or is this playing some political game? Am I presenting information for an ulterior motive that is not communicated? Is my communication Inspiring, will it achieve what I want it to, will it inspire the desired reaction? Or am I in danger of starting a pitched battle that will run on? Ultimately, is the message Necessary? Is this something that needs to be said at all, or is it just for me to let off steam or to stamp my metaphorical feet in annoyance? What do I hope to achieve? And finally, is it Kind? How will this make the other person feel and react, am I able to step into their shoes? Are the points made in a kind and sensitive way? We now know that altruism and kindness to others can support our own well-being by releasing serotonin and endorphins into the blood, so is likely to reduce our own levels of stress and anxiety.
When are you at most risk of sending messages that violate these principles?
What are the common triggers?
How can you make use of this?
This week I was introduced to a mnemonic that I plan to use in future to help me evaluate my electronic communications, THINK.
Is what I have written a True reflection of events or simply my opinion and my perspective. Can I evidence the points made or are the arguments evaluative and bias? Am I being Honest in the communication, or is this playing some political game? Am I presenting information for an ulterior motive that is not communicated? Is my communication Inspiring, will it achieve what I want it to, will it inspire the desired reaction? Or am I in danger of starting a pitched battle that will run on? Ultimately, is the message Necessary? Is this something that needs to be said at all, or is it just for me to let off steam or to stamp my metaphorical feet in annoyance? What do I hope to achieve? And finally, is it Kind? How will this make the other person feel and react, am I able to step into their shoes? Are the points made in a kind and sensitive way? We now know that altruism and kindness to others can support our own well-being by releasing serotonin and endorphins into the blood, so is likely to reduce our own levels of stress and anxiety.
When are you at most risk of sending messages that violate these principles?
What are the common triggers?
How can you make use of this?
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