Reactions is one word to describe how I act most of the times. I have always been impulsive. When I am consumed by anger, nothing seems to work; I am intoxicated and many other things start coming into my deranged mind. As if I am in a trance, I start my self-destruction journey.
Knowing the difference and acting on that knowledge is essential. In a difficult situation, one must know when to react or respond. Reactions can be berating unpleasant. One can react to escalate into confrontation or someone would like to sit back and preserve the relationship. While communicating is full of responses and reactions, and each option is correct according to the involved individual’s perception.
It is essential to know the difference between the reaction and response and decide which one is the right way to communicate.
- Reaction- It is instinctive without much thought into the answer. One usually is reciprocating and mostly opposing to a situation/person. It may have a favorable outcome (or not).
- Responding- however, when the desired outcome is considered, the reaction changes to responding. It is engineered to produce a particular result.
Most of us know the fundamental difference, but how to make sure to respond and not react in communication. Here is my take on it-
1. Understand
When the kids are young, they are still beginning to understand their different emotions; they react by crying, for being sleepy or hungry and even being wet. They are not able to differentiate the way to act. We, as adults, also need to ensure that we understand our own emotions. Recognize own’s role to formulate the best way to reply.
2. Modulate
To regulate your emotions is the second step. How long will you be affected by the situation? One must understand that every action is accountable. We might not control what has happened, but we can control how we reply. Communication through proper response gives you a chance to modulate how you feel.
3. Motivation
One needs to put the goal first; what is essential and would reacting help achieve that goal? One needs to consider the aim of creating something and growing. When one reacts, it reduces the purpose of the conversation. Keeping in mind the desired outcome, one may proceed.
4. Empathy
Recognizing how someone might feel because of your reactions is enough to stop in your footsteps. Being more considerate of the other person makes you think back and make an informed reply. One’s social skills play a significant role here. Can you communicate well or know how to deescalate a situation you would tend to have not reacted adversely?
No matter the situation and circumstance, communicating the right way is essential. A crucial fact to consider is the relationship with the person and how they might comprehend. Turning your typical reaction into a thoughtful response is not that difficult.
A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks. When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.