Written by: Michelle Davidson  |  June 05, 2025

Pause Before Reacting to Turn Missteps into Wins

Confession: In my younger years, I was the queen of the knee-jerk reaction.

But a recent situation reminded me how powerful it can be to pause before reacting—and how that moment of restraint can lead to a better outcome.

Here’s What Happened:
A client told me they were confirmed to speak at an upcoming event. When they checked the event’s website, however, they discovered someone else was listed to cover their topic. It looked like the organizer had gone back on a firm agreement. My protective instincts kicked in, and I was ready to suggest several nuclear options.

Before I could respond, the client made a smarter—and better—move. They reached out to the event organizer and took responsibility, saying they may have dropped the ball by not following up. That preemptive apology shifted the tone of the conversation. Instead of accusations, they asked thoughtful questions.

The result? The website simply hadn’t been updated. Not only was the client still on the agenda, but they had been moved to the keynote slot. Their ability to pause before reacting made all the difference.

The Takeaway:
Things are rarely as they first appear. There’s always more going on behind the scenes. So before we react, let’s take a breath, ask a few good questions, and stay curious. That simple decision to pause before reacting can make all the difference.

Now Read This:

• How to Position the Truth so People Actually Hear It
• Competitive Branding for B2B Professional Service Firms

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