The chances are slim that my quick answer is the right answer, and it stops the conversation instead of taking it to a deeper place. When we take one step back, we enter into a place of humility by assuming we don’t have all the facts. Taking a step back looks more like walking side-by-side with someone, and less like a transactional “bank teller” interaction.

A lot of times, taking one step back is asking yourself “what is the nature of this relationship I’m in?” and approaching the conversation from that place. I share an example about my teenagers – instead of just giving them the quick answer to solve a problem, I can take one step back and ask myself “How can I have this conversation in a way that lends itself toward the goal of my child becoming a more graceful, wise and caring adult?”

Taking that one step back can help make sure you’re on the right path forward, so my encouragement to you is this: next time you’re in a situation where you’re trying to solve a problem, hear the words “take one step back.”