The Pause Before the Next Word.
Good morning, friends.
The Moment
One morning in the galley, I heard a crew member arguing with the first officer. He kept going even after they told him to stop. Watching it, I thought he must want to get fired to leave the ship.
A couple of days later, when we reached port, they told him to pack his belongings. He came to the galley to say goodbye, upset and close to tears. I realized I had misread him. He didn’t want to get fired, but in that moment he could not stop himself from arguing.
One Useful Thought
We can care about the outcome and still act against it. When emotions rise, what we say next may matter more than the point we are trying to make. Learning to pause gives us a chance to see where our words are taking us.
One Question Worth Carrying.
When I feel the urge to keep arguing, what am I hoping my next words will accomplish?
The One-Degree Turn
The next time a conversation becomes heated, take one breath before speaking. Ask yourself whether your next sentence will help you reach the outcome you want.
Fair winds,
Chef Martin
Boarding Pass 365
