No matter how busy you are…take the moment.
- Read the e-mail
- Read the text
- Re-read the letter, thank you note or article
- Really think about the circumstance, to make sure the reaction you are about to take is appropriate for the person, the situation and the future
- Pause and take a breath before you send, answer, scold, get irritated.
You will be happy you spent 15 seconds, 1 to 5 minutes, or however long it might be to take the moment needed. Then you won’t regret it, have to back pedal, retract it or apologize.