Chapter 1 Cont: What ABOUT my actions?

     Are my actions really just as effective (or defective) as my words? You bet!!  (And trust me, I am not preaching, but sharing experiences, here... remember that... some of us learn things the hard way...) So let's take a stroll through another scenario.

     You're seated at a table in a restaurant. You're with your family (whomever that may be: close friends, spouse and kids, parents, coworker that you're really close to, etc.). You're really hungry (because maybe your group has waited just a little too long to decide where to go for dinner). You're a little antsy. You're a little anxious. And that server is just not coming to your table quick enough for your liking. What are you gonna do?

     Maybe your typical go-to is to call the server over politely (waiting patiently for him/her to arrive), very quietly and calmly remind them that you've been sitting for a while and have not been visited, and ask how long it might be before you're serviced. OR maybe your go-to is to display a huge scowl on your face, make a scene waving your arms in the air with the intent to get a manager's attention first and very loudly explain to the manager (so that everyone else in the restaurant can hear) that you've been waiting long enough and that you demand some service NOW.

Both of these responses include verbal and non verbal communication. But it's really your actions (the non verbal communication) that add the most impact in this situation. The waving of your arms in the air versus very calmly sitting and waiting until someone comes to your beckoning. The raising of your voice and scowl on your face directed toward the manager (and the rest of the world) versus the gentle soft-toned side conversation with the server. Each of these choices directly affect you and those around you. It affects how you're treated in return, the rate in which you achieve satisfaction, and, believe it or not, how you feel about yourself when the situation is over.

Bottom Line.... you always have at least two choices of action...be sure you choose the best one.

And remember.... "The road of life can take you many places. It's how you navigate that determines where you end up."



Stick around...we've just started to hit the tip of the iceberg with the principles of common sense.