React Vs. Respond - The Business Edge

While it is true that reaction and response sound very similar, they are in fact, very diverse in their implications. Here, we will explain why this is such an important trait to follow as a productive member of the business world. Certainly, we can all recall a time when we reacted to a situation that, when all was said and done, feelings were hurt and points were missed? Did you find yourself wishing you could have taken back what was said or done? Or handled it differently? Any one of us involved in any kind of relationship, whether the relationship is parent and child, friend to friend, partner to partner, or you and your pet hamster, will have answered "yes" to all three questions. Don't fret! There's hope yet! Reacting to situations and occurrences is simply what makes us the lovable, quirky little forms of life known as humans.

The good news is, you have a choice of turning those impulse reactions into well-thought out responses. However, before we continue, let's clarify the difference between a natural reaction and a reaction that can be turned into a response. When you or someone you care for, or are concerned for, is in harms way, it is a natural reaction to automatically protect them and/or yourself. That is a reaction that does not need to be thought out. When you are strolling to the local grocery store and someone jumps out from a dark alleyway in attempts to cut at your throat and steal your booty, you react. No need for time consuming thoughts on how to respond there. Protect yourself or be harmed! That's a no brainer right? Another example; your significant other surprises you with a 3 carat platinum diamond engagement ring. You have adored and loved this person for so long that your natural reaction is absolute unadulterated happiness and joy. No need for well-thought out response time here either. This form of reaction is a positive outburst. No one is hurt and no point is lost. At that very moment, your authentic self is shining through with no future consequence or regrets of how that reaction may have affected others.

Let's take a look at the basic definition of reaction and response: A Reaction is an action or an outburst, either emotional or physical, to a given situation or occurrence. A response is a considered or thought out reply to a statement or question from another source. Reactions can be catastrophic; yet, a well considered response is most often much less destructive and does a better job in getting your point across. A reaction is always an impulsive reply, whereas a response is a prompt, considered answer to a given situation. You are more involved in the thought processing and assessing of the situation before responding, thereby coming across with a much more genuine reply. While it is true that responses can be negative or positive, a response gives the possibility of resolution. A response, unlike a reaction, also offers the possibility of a "feel-good" factor. A reaction will, more often than not, hurt someone's feelings while a response, albeit negative, has the capabilities of handling the situation on a more "delicate" level. This is extremely important when considering work within the business world, regardless of what particular venue that business may be. This is how to diffuse a potentially disastrous situation, aid in those seeking guidance and help, or earn trust in those that we serve. Responding properly to a situation shows a sense of Diplomacy. It is an absolute necessity in the successful business world. Responding is in essence, the opposition of reacting. When you are able to suspend judgement for just a moment and simply listen to everything said or done, you will be in the perfect mode to respond. Responding is a conscious effort and shows that you are listening and generally paying attention to the entire situation, thus proving, upon your response, that a valid and well thought out point has been made. You are showing the person, or persons, that you are not only presenting your side, but the full story as well. It shows that you are responding from a place of wanted resolution, and that the other person at least feels as though they were understood.

"Don't react, do respond."

As long as you keep these words in mind, the act of Responding over Reacting will eventually come to you as naturally as breathing. That's simple enough, right? Once this comes more naturally to you, it will, in turn, enable you to come to good and fair conclusions with little to no hassle. Always acknowledge yourself when you have responded over reacting; even when and if you started out with a Reaction. Self conceptualization will help you to create and maintain your new desired habit more rapidly. It is all a matter of analyzing your situation first. Once that is done, the initial Reaction has already diffused and you are in the Response mode.