A good friend often talks to me about her consequence management approach to colleagues in her private industry world.

 

Acknowledging that this might be less easy to do in public sector, where the outcome of your action, your performance, might not mean the difference between a year-end bonus or none, I still think there’s value in us all thinking about this concept for ourselves, especially in times of conflict or dispute, and whether at home or at work.

 

When I find myself faced with a dilemma, am in a difficult situation bordering on conflict, or have experienced a situation I’m finding difficult to come to terms with, if I’m lucky I find some time for reflection to ask myself these questions:

 

• If I do what I’m planning, what will it mean?
• How do I want this to end/to be resolved?
• What are my choices? (and that always forces me to explore all options)
• What will it look like if I do nothing?
• Who would benefit from an apology?
• Can I live with all this pain?
• Is it important enough to continue?
• Can I move on?