Reflect on your way of responding

Sometimes I have the answer in my head. I can answer immediately. 

Yet, it can be better to take the question or the topic with me and come back one or two days later. 

It shows the other person that I take their perspective seriously, that I thoroughly think about what they said, that I don’t answer too quickly. 

Sometimes I have a clear NO on my mind. But I need to help the other person to get there as well. To go through the thinking process themselves and to get to the point where they truly understand that we both say NO and that it was not me dumping my NO onto them. 

This is not about consciously delaying or slowing down a process. I use it intentionally when the other needs to feel respected and valued. Being too quick can reduce respect and trust. Therefore, I need to take into consideration what my aim is. And if the relationship with the other or them following my way is crucial, slowing down can be essential for a good outcome.