HERBISM #49 – Great Leaders Respond more than React

People often use the words react and respond interchangeably, but these two concepts are not the same. The differences are subtle but significant, and lead to very different outcomes, especially when you react when you should respond, and vice versa.

Merriam-Webster defines the words, as follows:

Respond: to say something in return : make an answer
React: to move or tend in a reverse direction

Both reacting and responding involve behaviors following an impulse. The difference ultimately comes down to whether time is available and/or taken to gain awareness in order to shape the best possible behavior.

In his book Triggers, Marshall Goldsmith presents a model he calls the Circle of Engagement, suggesting that all people are triggered by different things, which lead to impulses and behaviors.

Being REACTIVE involves a trigger leading to an impulse and a behavior. It is a shorter loop, which is appropriate when time does not allow for gaining additional awareness. Most times these behaviors take on a negative overtone such as fight, flight, or freeze, which are appropriate when faced with an emergency situation, but not when collaborating with others.

Being RESPONSIVE also involves a trigger leading to an impulse, but with the benefit of additional awareness to help choose the best possible behavior. As a result responsive behaviors tend to be viewed in a more positive manner and typically result in better outcomes.

Great leaders choose to respond, reacting only when there is not enough time to gain additional awareness and to choose a better behavior.

TIP: Take a breath before acting on an impulse.

Any time you feel triggered, and especially in non-emergency situations, take a breath before acting. Even a short breath will do two things: allow emotions to settle down (dissipating cortisol from your system and reducing the fight, flight, or freeze urge) and provide time to gain awareness.