by Amy Woodall
Sometimes we can hissy-fit our way right into a communication blunder. At any moment, at any time and we usually wish we could grab it back.
One day last summer I was letting our little Yorkie, Parker, out for his midday yap session. Not long after, he dove off the porch and disappeared beneath the steps. I heard him wrestling with something, an animal of some sort. Then I heard a hiss followed by Parker’s whimper. Fear grabbed me completely.
Snake! I knew it and my biggest fear in life was coming to fruition. Since I was knee high to a grasshopper I’ve been cringing at the sight - or even thought - of snakes. The television goes off the second they hit the screen. Now poor Parker is getting swallowed whole! Quickly, I called my husband to the rescue. He found me shaking to the core in fear yet was baffled that I hadn’t pulled Parker to safety using his leash. Fear trumps logic every time. My brain told me, “Parker’s snack, I’m dinner.”
I ran into the house and watching through our living room picture window, I saw my husband pull the steps back to release our precious pup and kill the evil snake. As the steps broke away, I saw a cat jump out and run across the street. Yep, that’s right – a cat. My husband was beyond annoyed with me, yet all I could do was laugh. My response was, “Oh yeah, cats hiss too don’t they?”
We’ve had plenty of laughs about my exaggerated reaction and I’ve become aware how powerful and paralyzing fear truly can be. However, it also occurred to me that people often make the same mistake with other people – they fear (judge) first and only learn later that their first reaction may have been automatic…and wrong.
What’s the snake in your communication world? Remember, pretty little kitties hiss too.
At Sandler Training, Trustpointe we teach people self-awareness, effective communication and to resist judgment. To learn more about hissy-fits, automatic first reactions and flying snakes contact Amy Woodall at 317.845.0041 or amy.woodall@sandler.com.
Meow.
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