How to be Responsive in Critical Times

Sisters learned how to be responsive rather than reactive when dealing with situations.

In our society today, we tend to be more reactive than responsive when dealing with everyday situations. The idea for this topic came about as a result of a situation I had witnessed. Sisters sometimes tend to be reactive than responsive. The highlight of this meeting was for sisters to model two situations of which one was been reactive and the other was been responsive. As I reflected on this meeting that took place on August 9, 2007, learning took place in the drama and the seriousness of the topic.

Case study 1

A confrontation happened when one sister approached the other and told her that she heard that she stole someone's purse that was in their car. The accused sister jumped into action by dialing the person who said she stole her purse. She huffed, puffed, and became tensed when she learned that someone was spreading a rumor about her. The situation was out of control because everybody got involved in this scene.

Case study 2

I gave the sisters these phrases to use while they contemplated their course of action when responding to rumor. The phrases were the following:

1. I did not think about it that way…

2. Tell me more about it…

3. Correct me if I am wrong, you said…

4. Is there anything else you want to share with me?

5. Thank you

The first situation the sister receiving the news was reactive by giving in to her emotions. In case study 2 when she heard the rumor, she said to the sister "tell me more about it." After she heard the full story, she said, "Correct me if I am wrong, you said…," She paused, and then she asked the other sister in a positive manner "Is there anything else you want to share with me?" She listened for the response from the other sister after she indicated no. She responded, "Thank you!" and walked away with more power. It was empowering to witness sisters taking control of situations in a positive manner. Instead of becoming reactive, the sister showed responsibility by being responsive.

In our society, if we could all be responsive rather than reactive we would master the game of living in unity and peace. For this meeting it was adjourn with a meditation. Stay tuned for the sisterhood meeting meditation.

© Copyrighted 2007 by Mrs. Laughing Pants News Stories