Unintended Consequences of Your Actions

Brent BaldwinWhen making decisions, we typically start with the presumption that our expectations will manifest with a predictable result. Our intention is clear in our minds, and we expect our decisions to unfold favorably, and life as we know it, will continue to be copacetic.

The Cubs will win the World Series, the sun will rise in the east, and the love of our life is a sure thing.

IF ONLY!

Unfortunately, the decisions we pursue don’t always end up resulting in a meaningful contribution to world peace and universal alignment. Alternative beliefs, influences and interpretations of others often start an avalanche of conflict and unintended consequences.

I thought I was clear

We deal with each other in an imperfect language, a language layered in personal interpretations and individually relevant subtexts. We speak with words, that by their very nature are inadequate in articulating logic and or emotion. Everything we say is subject to the internalization of the listener, and inevitably, the experiences and influences that have brought them to this conversation.

Regardless, we believe we are articulate and clear about what we want, why and how the road before us should unfold. It is our supposition that our actions and the expectations we have of others, should be followed as laid out, it seems obvious. Not buying in could be considered irrational or even treasonous. 

What do you mean by that? 

The words slip out of our mouths, understandings gets muddied and, next thing you know, unintended consequences prevail. Unintentionally we’ve struck a chord, infringed on personal space, and initiated retaliation, attack, or a verbal tirade that appears to come straight out of left field. The misunderstanding is often protecting a thinly veiled self-righteousness ego. It happens, and there is no turning back; unintended consequences start rolling out into the mix.

Four Things To Do When Unintended Consequences Show Up

It’s going to happen. You know it, I know it, and everyone over the age of three years old knows it. So what is the World Class solution to unintended consequences?

1) Listen, 

Because not listening antagonizes and leads to further misunderstanding, before you know it the crap is knee deep. Better to listen and show up as the understanding and truth-seeking hero in this limited engagement story. Listening guarantees you are going to learn something. It could be new information not considered, or it may just be something about the other person’s personality. The World Class know that there are nuggets of knowledge in all this.

2) Be Unattached, 

When others go off, it’s often the result of an emotional trigger. Being unattached to the emotion of others is the absolute best way to hear, assess and arrive at a decision to accept alternatives or stay true to your original premise. When we respond to an emotional attack with an alternative emotion, conflict begins, and we all toddle down an ill-advised path where positions become entrenched, and we all get a little too self-righteous in our justifications. Stalemate!

3) Check Your Logic, 

After all, this is your logic sound; do you still feel secure and committed to your position? If that’s the case, stay true, don’t compromise. We all have a little “people pleasing” in us. A pesky little gene that, if followed, would have us compromising our principals, seeking approval from someone we don’t care about or know. Well thought out and not being swayed from an informed position is a World Class trait.

4) Be Clear, Patient, and World Class, 

Make your point, support your premise with empirical evidence (when possible), and do it all with confidence and decorum. Like my Grandfather used to say “Mud thrown is ground lost.” Choose to walk away when all hope is lost and never compromise your core beliefs.

So, let me ask. Do you have an issue or a problem that’s troubling you? Do you feel like you’re always compromising? If so personal coaching may offer you the help, you need. 

I am offering a limited number of one-hour, introductory coaching calls for free. If interested e-mail me at brent@ThinkWorldClass.com. 

Have a World Class day my friend.