How to Respond to Any Situation

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How to Respond to any Situation

Almost always, your best response to a situation should be based upon a logical / rational evaluation of all the available facts.

We call this principle: "Running on reason".

We need to avoid any traces of irrational or illogical thinking. If you evaluate situations using NON-logical ways of thinking, then you will very likely mess-up.

In what NON-logical ways do people evaluate events?

Common NON-logical ways to evaluate a situation.

1. According to the majority opinion.

Some people evaluate events according to the majority opinion: They tend to do whatever the majority are doing. They agree with whatever is the majority view.

Is this a good way to evaluate situations? If not, why not?

2. According to what we have always done.

People who take the traditional view, do what they have always done. They are uncritically repeating time-honoured practice.

Is this a good way to evaluate situations? If not, why not?

3. According to a prejudice or preconceived idea.

You uncritically apply an existing preconception or prejudice to the situation and you never think to check your preconceptions.

Is this a good way to evaluate situations? If not, why not?

4. According to whatever is the easiest.

You take the easy way out of every situation. A quick fix.

Is this a good way to go about things? If not, why not?

5. According a "Snap judgement".

You do whatever you happen to think of first. You know that you "have to do something", so you are willing to "try anything and see what happens".

Is this a good way to go about things? If not, why not?

How to make a logical evaluation of the situation.

We suggest you use "A rational, logical evaluation of all the available facts".

Let us look at the question of logical thinking and contrast it to every other type.

• Logic is a system of thought and communication.
• Logical thought is unique. It is different from every other type.
• Logic is NOT guessing, nor fantasising, nor wishing, nor blindly following the majority opinion.

Logical thought is a special kind of thought which is distinguished by the following characteristics.

1. Based upon facts, not feelings.
2. All terms clearly defined using specific language and with the units of measurement explicitly stated.
3. Highly systematic, organised, hierarchical and methodical.
4. Any mathematical and causal relationships are made clear and distinct.
5. Logical thought is highly practical; capable of being put into effect.
6. No guessing, wishing, hoping, or relying on unwarranted assumptions.

We call this: Running on reason.

"Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion." Thomas Jefferson.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Personal Effectiveness

• Psychology of Success
  Being successful isn't necessarily about having a good education or being super intelligent. Successful people have success-orientated mindsets. These ideologies can be learnt and practised, so you too, can become successful.
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• What is Impression Management?
  Impression management is the art of presenting yourself in a positive way. First impressions do count, especially in interviews and business situations. Learn the art of leaving good impressions wherever you go.
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• How to Respond to any Situation
  Many people tend to be irrational or emotional when faced with a problem or tricky situation. Unfortunately, this approach will not lead to the best outcome. Evaluate situations by being logical and rational when assessing all the available facts.
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• From Information to Wisdom - Four Layers of Understanding
  We are surrounded by information, but not all of it is useful. To truly understand and make sense of the world, we must break through four layers: Information, Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom.
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• Distinguish Truth From Falsehood
  Just because a lot of people believe something, does not make it likely to be true! The truth has been argued about since the dawn of time. But how do you determine the truth?
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