What is Responding vs Reacting… and How Does Emotional Intelligence Help?

A reaction is automatic, fast, easy, unconscious — and often fuels more reactivity & stress.
A response is intentional, slower, requires attention — and creates more connection & peace.

Use the free interactive balance scale to consider what factors that push you toward React, and what support you to Respond. Scroll down for more emotional intelligence insights and tools about responding vs reacting.

 

React

    Try it!

    1. Drag an item from below into this box or the one to the right.
    2. Click the + to create your own items
    3. Click the pencil to edit any item

Respond

      This is a variation on our famous Emotional Wellbeing Balance Scale. Click here for instructions. See more resources below.

      How do you use emotional intelligence to shift from reacting to responding?

      The Six Seconds Model of Emotional Intelligence offers a simply powerful framework:

      1. Increase awareness. Learn about emotions and what’s triggering your reactions.

      2. Expand your options. Strengthen your capacity to navigate emotions – here’s a fantastic eLearning course to help you work WITH your emotions.

      3.  Connect beyond yourself. Build the “levers” that move you out of reaction by increasing empathy and strengthening your sense of purpose.