In the book “How Doctors Think” Dr. Jerome Goopman (professor of medicine at Harvard) says that misdiagnosis happens because of the “18 second rule.”
“That’s the average time it takes a doctor to interrupt you as you’re describing your symptoms. By that point, he/she has in mind what the answer is, and that answer is probably right about 80% of the time.”
Read more about that here: http://18 second rule
80%. Not bad! That’s a solid B. Unless of course you’re in the 20% category in which case it’s not ideal.
How long does it take YOU to interrupt a co-worker in the middle of a conversation?
How long does it take YOU to interrupt your spouse/child/friend when they start talking?
If you’re a Dominant or an Inspiring in DISC, you know the answer as soon as their lips start moving. And you can’t wait to get to the point, insert your opinion, and move on.
Take your free DISC profile here if you haven’t done so already: http://Free DISC Assessment
But how often do you misdiagnose the situation? And what message do you send when you interrupt another person?
I don’t care what you have to say
I’m more important than you
Your opinion/thoughts are irrelevant
If you’re an interrupter, stop it! Whenever you interrupt, you’re not learning anything. Interrupting conveys the opposite of the good intention you have to help the situation get better. Interrupting makes you look like a schmuck.
And start confessing to your team. Tell them that you want to improve. Wait 30 seconds before interrupting. Then extend it to 60 seconds. Catch yourself the next time you interrupt and apologize. Ask your team in a week if you’re getting any better.
“You learn when you listen. You earn when you listen, not just money but respect” – Harvey Mackay
Or this one from John Wayne:
“You’re short on ears and long on mouth.”
Stop interrupting and watch your credibility increase.
Getting ahead is about getting started.
