With each column I write, I carefully consider the point I want to make. I draft the column, reflect on it, tweak it, and review it before I post it.
Unfortunately, that type of careful thought and reflection doesn’t always happen in the business environment. Today’s technology and social-media platforms enable us to express top-of-mind, unfiltered thoughts to the world–often to disastrous results. Remember, just because we can say something doesn’t mean we should.
I saw this recently in the window of a bookstore and thought it was worth sharing.
Before you speak, THINK…
T – is it True?
H – is it Helpful?
I – is it Inspiring?
N – is it Necessary?
K – is it Kind?
Using this guideline does not preclude you from having tough conversations with your team. Even constructive feedback, if delivered correctly, meets these criteria. This should hold true when writing emails as well.
So, regardless of what or how you feel, T.H.I.N.K before you speak.
Make it a great day!