When you are criticized, how does that feedback affect your thought process and your choice of response? In this episode of ICommunicate, Mark Altman, Founder of MindsetGo, discusses the Will Smith Oscar incident and how to respond before we react to effectively manage our emotions and model the right behaviors.

Segment 1:

One of the most difficult skills to develop is responding rather than reacting. What are some key awareness’s whenever we feel overwhelmed with our emotions? How can we develop the patience to think before we speak, even when we feel especially compelled to lash out?

Segment 2:

Far too often, we make blanket-statement value judgements, which simply aren’t true, before realizing how those remarks may be a trigger for people. What should we be asking ourselves before offering a potentially harmful opinion? What strategies can we utilize to manage our emotions?

Segment 3:

When we’re being criticized by someone, our first instinct in many cases is to defend or explain ourselves -- but is that the best course of action? What other strategies can we rely on in the heat of the moment so that we manage discourse in an acceptable and productive way? How can we reel ourselves in when we feel that our emotions are getting the best of us?

Segment 4:

Have you ever considered how tied to your goals you are? Are you able to incentivize and motivate yourself, or are you driven by consequences? What are the setbacks of a consequence-driven mindset, and how does that affect the relationship between leaders and their teams? How can value judgements impact our relationships and the way we communicate with people?