“When things go wrong, don’t go with them.”
Elvis Presley, American musician (1935 – 1977)
In maintaining relationships with clients and prospects, we will, at times, come to crossroads where our patience and good judgement is strained. Real estate transactions are high-stakes emotional events for buyers and sellers, and it’s quite common to find yourself in the position where it will take an enormous amount of willpower to maintain the higher ground in the conversation.
Technology has enabled us to respond in an instant, and while response time can be a hallmark of good service, it can also trap us into making snap decisions we regret later. When a comment or complaint stings, it’s very, very easy to dash off an angry (or even inappropriately curt!) reply.
The small cost of holding your tongue is far lower than the expense of issuing an apology. When a trying moment comes, keep in mind this simple quote from The King: “When things go wrong, don’t go with them.”
Imagine the momentary satisfaction of indulging your anger as a path leading into a dark and dangerous ravine. The worst things that can happen are waiting down there. Don’t go wrong. Don’t go with them.
Silence, even for as long as it takes to keep you on the right path, is far preferable. Come back around on the high ground when you have a little more composure. (Remember, a cool head means cold cash in your pocket in the long run, too.)
