As change agents and leaders, we’re frequently given information. Sometimes it’s quantitive information (i.e. measurable), and other times it’s qualitative (i.e. descriptive and unmeasurable). Regardless of the type of information given to you, how often are you validating this information before:

• Reacting to it emotionally?

• Acting on the information?

• Further sharing the information?

How does the answer differ for your work vs. your personal life?

Why validate information first?

• What if you’re angry and stressed out about something that was never actually said or done, or is a non-issue?

• What if you’re putting in a corrective action for something that in reality is working just fine?

• What if the information you’re sharing is actually untrue?