Identifying and Managing Your 'Hot Buttons'

Do you sometimes get that 'out of control', instinctive reaction whenever someone says something you believe to be inappropriate? This can occur anytime - if you are in conflict with that person, or alternatively, when you are both just hanging out in a congenial social situation.  Well, this response occurred because (regardless or whether or not it was done deliberately) that individual touched on one of your 'hot buttons'. 

HOT BUTTONS

So, what exactly are 'hot buttons'? They are the things that threaten the way you want to be viewed by others. The most common ones have to deal with competence, inclusion, autonomy, status, reliability, and morality. Your own set of  'hot buttons' tend to be personal to you.  It is also important to note that one of the hallmarks of a 'hot button' response is that it is automatic.  That means it literally hijacks the thinking portion of the brain.  Because we didn't knowingly make a decision to act in a certain manner when our hot buttons are triggered, we usually regret our actions after the fact.

To ensure that you maintain control of yourself when your 'hot buttons' are threatened, you must take the time to understand them.  To get started on finding out and managing your hot buttons, follow the next steps:

Zen Break: The Path

Move Forward

&

The 'PATH'

Zen Break: Overcoming The Ideal

Picture Source: http://han-nara.tumblr.com/post/23378839093

Overcoming The Ideal

I think when a person lets go of their longing to attain an ideal, they can discover or re-discover their love for just the Doing of the activity. Which feels very childlike and pure.

I just have to look at The Ideal and say: Thank you for the inspiration. Hopefully I soaked something in. But please step aside now. I got to get to Doing. And for doing I can’t have you riding on my back. It will weigh me down. But again, thanks for the inspiration.

(reblogged entirely from: http://poetaster-poetaster.tumblr.com/post/17891573122/overcoming-the-ideal)

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The Basics of Successful Professional Communication

When communicating professionally, we usually have 3 basic underlying goals:

1. To convey and listen to thoughts and ideas
2. To persuade others to go along with our proposals and ideas
3. To project confidence and authenticity, while ensuring that others are comfortable in our presence

Though this blog is committed to providing you with the tips and techniques to accomplish these goals, it takes skill and practice to not get become bogged down with too much information. To ensure that you can implement these techniques when you need to, I have created this outline for you to use when you want to impress others professionally.  

As alluded by the title of this post, this is simply the first step.  However, for those who are not natural communicators, the outline provided in this post is the foundation to success.

So, take the time to follow the ensuing steps regardless of whether you are: (i) interviewing for a job; (ii) meeting with potential clients; (iii) making a presentation; (iv) seeking a promotion; (v) working with colleagues at the office, or if you simply want to stand out professionally...