My basketball team had a saying last year. Started by one player and then spread to all of us. We got in the habit of saying "Coming in hot." At first it meant that a shot was going to clang hard off the backboard or that a pass had too much pace on it. It then took on a meaning off the court as well...Maybe our bus was following another car a little close, we were "coming in hot."
Later on it developed into a phrase to be used when a player or coach was a little upset about a call and got a little fiesty with an official. It could have been a player who was mad at a coach or an AD who was mad about something. They were coming in hot.
As a leader you never want to enter a situation "coming in hot." In my mind a picture is formed of someone racing down the hall, steam coming out of the ears and entering a room yelling. Someone who comes in hot shoots firsts and apologizes later. This is a good way to destroy trust and turn off followers.
Here are some tips to avoid "coming in hot" to situations:
1.) Be sure you get all the facts before making a judgement.
2.) Literally take a deep breath.
3.) Go for a walk. It will lower your stress and give you time to do #1 and #2
4.) Wait a day! Most problems don't demand immediate attention. Allow 24 hours to let everything (and everyone) settle down a little bit before addressing the problem.
5.) Talk to everyone and try to see the situation from everyone's perspective. Put yourself in their shoes and see how the situation looks from their angle.
Some of the worst moments and situations I have ever been a part of have happened because people "came in hot." Try to be a leader who diffuses tensions instead of a leader who inflames situations. Pour water on fires, never gasoline.
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