Let the Silence Do Its Work

Say the hard thing once. Then let the silence do its work.

Most of us can work up the nerve to say it. The trouble comes 3 seconds later, when the room goes quiet and every instinct says to fill it. So we soften it, explain it, or tell them it is not a big deal, and the message we came to deliver is gone.

That silence is not a problem to fix. It is the other person taking in what you said. When you rush to fill it, you take that moment away from them.

Next time, say it in 1 or 2 sentences. Then stop. Count to 5. Let them speak first.

Whatever they say next will tell you more than anything you could have added.

The Right Altitude. Available now. www.therightaltitudebook.com