Everyone does stupid things. Thankfully, most of us don’t do stupid things on national television.
Last Sunday, Terry Bradshaw did a stupid thing when he joked about Antonio Brown (AB) on national television. Brown is the wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bradshaw said, “Put him in a straightjacket and take him to some hospital.”
AB did a stupid thing when he walked out on his team in the middle of a game. Many think his flamboyant departure is the end of a controversial football career.
Two things you can do that aren’t stupid:
#1. Rest before you’re exhausted.
You drink water before you collapse from thirst. Give your body a rest before you’re exhausted.
Fatigue makes you stupid.
When you’re exhausted, small issues are big and big issues are overwhelming.
- Don’t wait till you feel miserable to go home. Go home, once in a while, full of energy.
- Take short breaks during the day, a short walk for example.
- Do more things that give you energy.
- Red Bull isn’t the answer.
#2. Resolve hot emotion before making decisions.
Don’t express yourself when emotion is a bubbling cauldron.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose a response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Victor Frankl
You need a confidant; someone you can say things to that you can’t say anywhere else.
A confidant is on your side but won’t take your side.
People who take your side when emotion is hot:
- Weaken relationships by fueling false courage.
- Strengthen stupid decisions. A side-taker says, “You’re right to be upset,” and leaves it at that.
- Neglect negative consequences. It’s stupid to say off-handedly, “Consequences be damned,” before reflecting on consequences.
What are some things leaders can do that aren’t stupid?