Do you know how your stomach
feels after coming off a loopy loop roller coaster? Yeah, that’s how I suddenly
found myself feeling.
It was 9:30 when I was ambushed. My boss decided
to have a budget meeting to finalize our new budgets. The staff meeting was to
begin at 10:00 AM, which meant I had 30 minutes to think about 12 months of
“potential” ministry needs.
Did I feel befuddled? Yes. (More like “snipered.”)
This is an example of a situation where I had to think on my
feet. Call ne crazy, but I always like to watch how others react when they’re
caught off guard, like I was. It’s instructive.
So often we see it in
interviews with politicians, athletes, or people in the cultural limelight. In
these situations, I always watch to see if people will be able to hold their
tongue. Or will they try to “duck & cover”? Will they over-talk, leading to
more questions or accusations?
Have you ever really thought
about how you respond when you're caught off-guard? When you have to think on
your feet?
Anyone in a leadership position
has probably had dozens of these moments where they have had to think fast.
Even for the most experienced, it can be awkward and uncomfortable. I consider
myself to be fairly confident, and feel like I handle things well in these
moments. But that doesn't mean there aren't times where I don't get
frazzled.
I've learned along the way what NOT to do.
I used to
over-talk, or employ the “let me get back to you” response (which isn’t always
a bad idea, unless it’s a stall tactic). But over time, I worked to get better
at thinking on my feet. Here are some of the habits I’ve learned.
Breathe
Most people in even
mild stressful situations have a quick rise in heart rate. Taking a deep breath
allows me to stay calm. This helps especially if the person or party I am
dealing with isn't calm.
Listen for the real question
Often
the question I hear people asking isn’t really the question they want answered.
Train yourself to hear the motive and/or emotion behind what’s being said, not
just the words themselves.
Give short, direct answers
In a “think on your feet” situation, I answer a question with the
most direct, succinct answer possible. Why? Because it leads the other
individual to ask more questions. (Which is a great way to listen for the real
question.)
Set up an appointment
I’ve noticed that many times when I’ve been caught off-guard,
it’s come in the midst of “something else.” Shopping at Target, leaving one
meeting & moving to another, finishing up coaching a child’s sports game .
. . People assume to themselves ”this is a good time for me, it must be good
for him.” It’s tough, but with few exceptions, I try to not let others dictate
when we’ll have tough or pointed conversations. I’ll try as much as possible to
schedule a time to talk where full attention can be given to the matter at
hand.
Watch your body language
Be present with your eyes, ears, and posture. Don’t glance at
your phone. Don’t shuffle papers. Don’t finish sending that email. Be present
in the conversation with eyes, ear, and heart.
So, these are my tips for
handling a “think on your feet” situation. What are yours?
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