Pause...And a Deep Breath

The last couple of days have reinforced my belief in the saying:

"Never do anything that makes you feel good when you're angry"

I had an issue come up and my first reaction was to fire off an email full of vitriol.  

So I did the hardest thing to do when I'm a little upset...nothing.  I made sure I was well away from the keyboard and did some deep breathing and then read a book.

Soon I was back to my normal calm self and had an opportunity to think about things.

First, the information was second hand.  Or as TV lawyers say "Objection Your Honor, Hearsay", and I had to take that into account.

Second, the person who was the source of information had had a really tough month or more dealing with issues of his own.

And third, how much of a difference will the outcome of this make in 5 years?  Not a whole bunch.

After giving the situation some time and thought I put together an email that explained things and didn't nail anyone down for anything in particular...left 'em wiggle room.

Then I Let It Sit For a Couple of Hours

I didn't fire off the calmer email.  I let it sit and cool.  

Then edited it.  

And let it cool.  

Then re-read it outloud.

Then sent my response.

There's a happy ending.  No feelings were hurt and working relations are intact.

And the issue is resolved to everyone's satisfaction.

Wow, and it just took a little patience.