One of the most influential recordings that I listened to early on was Jim Rohn’s “Building Your Network Marketing Business.”  While the obvious focus was intended for network marketing I got so much more out of the hour I listened.  One of those jewels was Mr. Rohn’s quote “Isn’t that interesting.”

When something isn’t quite going your way simply say “Isn’t that interesting.” and move on.  This also works well when your someone comes up to you and says something or tells you to do something you don’t particularly care for.  You simply say the phrase and move on.

This technique does a few things:

1. It keeps you from saying something as a quick reaction and gives you a moment to think of an appropriate response.  Keep your foot out of your mouth in the front end and you won’t have the after taste.

2. It can defuse the situation if there is already some tension.  This can be especially true when you are using this phrase after your employer walks up.

3. It also keeps your stress level down.  Rather than get upset you allow yourself to be in another state of mind.

Give this a shot and see how much better you can feel during a stressful conversation or when you are given a quick instruction you might not agree with.  It is a thing of linguistic beauty.