(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Having a sense of urgency is useful. Feeling you need to ‘get after it’ can be a good focusing tool and lead to appropriate action.

Dealing with an emergency is something else. Emergency triggers a reaction.

Urgency has room for responding – time, space and resources to call on.

For instance, in the environment of flying, noticing that the weather is worsening is an urgency which calls for changing your flight plan while you still have alternatives.

Smoke in the cockpit is an emergency which needs prompt attention. React now!

 

Coaching Point: Do you spend more of your time responding to the urgent and less on reacting to emergencies?

 

Copyright 2015 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.