When was the last time you did or said something that in hindsight, seemed somewhat irrational? If it was within the last 24-48 hours, then welcome to the club, for isn't it true that all of us, on a regular basis, do and say seemingly illogical or irrational things?

The first question that comes to mind is 'why'? But perhaps the more important question has to be 'Why, in this day and age, do we still give such weight to being rational', when taking actions based on more than just rational assessments (i.e. incorporating how you feel about something into your decision-making process) is probably a more robust way of making decisions.

In the work we do at Common Outlook Consulting - seeking to help people work well together in just about any setting imaginable - we're careful not to put too much stock in the rational basket. We are careful about making decisions and carrying out actions based solely on data, statistics, and logic without any input from the body, emotions, and even the soul. For optimal outcomes, we believe the whole being needs to be in concert with itself. And, if some people would prefer to call that 'whole being thinking' illogical, we'll accept the designation with grace.

We hope you enjoy this month's article ; we believe it will create more understanding of (and compassion for) yourself and others.  Furthermore, we believe you will have greater confidence - whether at or outside the workplace - in knowing that your whole-being response is probably the response that makes the most 'sense' (ironically), and most likely the one that will produce the best outcome.