Take One Step Back

Let's Be Real with Nicole Unice

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.”