To kick off the topic, firstly let us understand the basic definition of a Reaction and a Response: Reaction is basically an action or an outburst either emotional or physical response to a given situation. Whereas Response is a “considered" reply or something said in reply to a statement or question from somebody else.



With this article, I am just enlightening some of the techniques to handle Reactions and Responses:

Most of the times, each one of us react to any state of affairs instead of responding appropriately. The basic need to understand the discrepancies between the two is very important as we come across many such incidents in our daily life.

It is not necessary that every situation needs a Reaction instead of a Response! Sounds weird, but when we analyze the repercussions in both the cases, we end up feeling to Respond instead of Reacting.

Human beings are the natural inhabitants of Reactions rather Responses. Whenever a situation arises, we tend to react instead of responding. Yes, responding to a situation is a more mature task but we usually burst out with reaction. Reactions mostly have an immense effect on the negative aspects of life. But whenever it is dealt positively, it gives an enormous feeling! But at times of complexities, it is the worst disaster in anyone’s life. By and large, it can leave a nastiest impact on anyone!

Reactions can be destructive but Responses are not. Because when you react, it is just impulsive rather retort whereas when you respond, you give a prompt answer to the situation. You involve yourself in thinking process before responding thereby coming out with a genuine reply!

Reactions always do not have the tendency of a feel-good factor. Reactions can hurt someone’s feelings whereas Responses do not hamper anyone’s feelings though it could be negative at times. The responsibility lies on your shoulders to always handle the situation either making it better by responding or making it worse by way of reacting.

You need to always remember one thing in mind whenever you are required to answer someone - Just keep in mind - “DO NOT REACT BUT RESPOND"! Initially it might be very intricate to handle any circumstances keeping in mind to Respond. But as you inculcate this thought, I am sure it will certainly boost up your way of perceiving things. This in turn will enable you come to good conclusions without any hassles.

For instance, I have come across a situation like this and have realized that responding can get your work done better in any circumstances instead of reacting. I was responsible to get some part of the Company’s website updated by every quarter. Once it so happened that the MIS personnel had not updated the site for some or the other reason. The moment I got to know about the incident, I simply went up to the concerned person and just bellowed for not doing the job! (This was my immediate reaction for that moment). But later the case got worse. The MIS staff in a hurry updated the site by posting wrong information instead of the right one (The situation getting worse because of my reaction). The next day, I went to him and spent sometime and explained very calmly what needs to be done. This time, I ensured the correct information be posted on the site in my presence! (This was my response). This should have actually been the correct way of handling that situation! Last but not the least; I realized the difference between a Reaction and a Response!

All it needs is a little effort from your side to analyze the circumstance and act accordingly to avoid any mishaps. Few notes to sum up this article:

1.Response is a gentle act showered on anyone at any given point.

2.Remember……Reactions should never be adverse.

3.Yelling through Reactions on anyone is quite easy, but to console the situation is indeed a tough task.

4.You need to just inculcate this thinking in your attitude that you will always respond first and react later.

5.A Reaction should always be preceded by a Response!

I hope this gives a clear vision to differentiate between Response and Reaction!

Roopa Sushil