The ISSUES AT HAND Model
People in decision-making positions must deal effectively with issues at hand. Often there is a tendency to react rather than respond when under pressure. The difference between response and reaction is one’s presence of mind. If I am internally collected and self-aware I am more likely to be in a position to choose a good response to an issue at hand. On the flip side, if I am more aware of what is going on outside myself than what is happening inside, I am more likely to react to an issue and pick up the pieces later.
Checking in with one’s self is a great way to get present and move from a reactive state to a responsive state. Using the “Issue at Hand” model is a great way of breaking down one’s awareness of their internal state.
When there is an issue at hand, there are four basic points to check in on before jumping into action: one’s sense, one’s emotional state, what one is thinking, and what one’s intention is. Practicing greater awareness of these four points can become second nature and lead to better decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Each of the points mentioned above is represented with a finger on the hand model. You’ll notice that “action” hovers slightly away from the thumb as a reminder to go through the four points before throwing things into gear.
The pinky finger covers “sense.” This refers to the five senses (seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting). What did you really just see? What did you really just hear? Separate what is “actual” from what you are interpreting here.
The ring finger covers “emotion.” How are you feeling? Mad, happy, sad, afraid, excited and repulsed are basic descriptions of emotions. With that in mind, is this a good time to act or to take a deep breath?
“Thought” is found on the middle finger. What are your impressions about the issue at hand? What are you adding to it through your interpretation? What meaning are you giving it? Own that as you consider your action around the issue at hand.
“Intention” is located on the index finger for a reason. Intention points us in the direction we are headed. What is your intention around the issue and how does it align with your values and highest intention for both yourself and others who have something at stake in the issue? If proving you are right and offering up a litany of snappy answers is your intention around the issue at hand, does that align well with your higher intention getting along with others?
It doesn’t have to take long to check in with your self around these four points, and doing so can help you make better choices when acting on an issue at hand!