When a
situation requires your action, think carefully. Don’t just do
what’s expected! Consider your approach by applying the 5 “W’s”
and the “H” observed by every competent journalist: Who, What,
When, Where, Why, and How?
If
action is needed, who should do it? You may be expected to, but who,
really, is best able to take the action needed? Do you need to
delegate, or get assistance, or arrange for witnesses?
What is
the essential outcome? Others will always ‘know’ what you should
do, but what do you want to accomplish, or have accomplished for you,
and what is the best way to get there? What do YOU think needs to be
done?
When
should it be done, for best results? Very often, the answer is NOW.
But not always. What are the needs of everyone involved? Keep your
objective in sight.
Where
should the deal go down? Your territory or their space? Public or
private? What perception do you want to create for principals or
observers?
Why is
the action you’ve chosen the best way to get to your objective?
Why is it thoughtful and not just a destructive knee-jerk.
How do
you preserve everyone’s dignity as much as possible, honor the
people involved, avoid others’ mistakes or obstacles, and achieve
the goal that YOU set, to protect the interests of your family,
associates, country, employment, or beliefs?
Around
here, whether you’re being proactive or reactive, these are the
starting points for thinking in different frames of reference.
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