Always let co-workers finish their thoughts, then talk.
Often their thoughts are incorrect. Or incomplete. Or incoherent.
Often you’ll have something more important to say. Or more accurate. Or more amusing.
Just wait your fucking turn.
The most respected managers and executives usually follow this rule. It makes everyone think they are paying attention and provides a greater gravitas when they speak.
Failure to provide this courtesy can undermine morale. It is poison for people to think you believe yourself too busy or important to hear them out. Therefore, the more people you manage directly or indirectly, the more important this rule becomes.
And if the higher ups can find the strength to listen to all the people around them, the employees of those managers sure as fuck better follow the rule as well.
There are obviously times when this rule doesn’t make a ton of sense. If someone is saying something offensive, or disrespecting someone, or is trying to fit their whole foot in their mouth. Then there is the airbag who derails everybody and leading a meeting down a rabbit hole. Or the person who has fully misunderstood something fundamental and is looking ridiculous.
Hmm there are a lot of exceptions to this rule.
Whatever. Be nice. Listen to people. Don’t assume you know what they are going to say (even if you are right 90% of the time). Let them finish. Your words will be there when they are done.
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Editor’s note 2/4/24
I’ve gotten worse with age. My impatience just gets the better of me. I’m mistaken of course and sure to get my comeuppance at some point. I vow to make 2024 the year I step it up and slow my roll long enough for others to finish their sentences.