Hold ‘er Newt

I first heard the phrase from my husband.  He was raised in Iowa and was surprised that I hadn’t heard it (I’m from North Dakota).  “It’s Mom's way of telling us to hang on for just a minute before taking some (ostensibly) unwise action.”

I tend to forge ahead with decisions and actions.  I get impatient at times with people who don’t see my “big picture” and don’t move fast enough for me.  My husband will invoke “hold ‘er newt” when he wants to weigh a decision and course of action.  Which is the right way?  Both and neither.  We all make decisions in different ways.  Each way has its good and bad points.  Keep the following in mind and you might find some patience when you need it most.

Realize #1:  Experience.  I use my experience to make decisions.  I have to remember that others don’t have that same experience.  I’ve learned to explain my actions thoroughly to others so they can understand “what” I want to do and “why” I want to do it.

Realize #2:  Facts.  Many analytical type people need as many facts as possible, sometimes this can seem endless.  I’ve learned to address this right away when I sense a facts person.  I’ll ask, what information do you need to move forward with this decision?  Or what will need to happen before you can make a decision.

Realize #3:  Long term.  Some decisions have long term consequences.  Making this type of decision in haste can be a disaster.  When I’m facing this situation, I make the decision, in my mind.  I sit on it a week and see if I would still make the same decision.  If it is, I will move forward.

Realize #4:  Short term.  I ask myself, what’s the worst that can happen?  If I can live with it, I move forward with action.

Realize #5:  Hold ‘er newt!  When I hear that, I’ve learned to pay attention.  Ask questions of the person putting the hold on.  “Help me to understand what you’re thinking?”  Respect the slower decision maker and see what you can learn.  Dismissing a red flag in a process can create interesting hindsight.

If you’re a fast decision maker, slow decision makers can drive you crazy.  If you’re a slow decision maker, fast decisions will make you really uncomfortable.  Which side do you fall on?  What has been your experience?  What tips or realizations have you come up with to work better with an opposite style?  Leave your comments below.

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