What road to you travel on? I encourage you to take the high road as often as you can because it presents the best view of you.

I’m sure we’ve all been there where we’ve lost it or others have and it’s just gets ugly and honestly, it’s unnecessary. And what did we gain? Nothing! More hard feelings. More walls. More division. Who needs that?

Taking the high road is a choice. It’s exercising self-discipline.  It’s a decision to not to let others get the best of you or to allow your emotions to control you so that you go to a place that doesn’t bring out the good, doesn’t allow healthy discussion of the issues or prevents issues from being resolved.

Taking the high road can be hard, but so worth it when you consider the consequences of taking the low road.

Here are 5 ways when taking the high right is the right road:

1. To de-escalate rising emotions – Bring emotions down so the issue can be discussed and hopefully, resolved. It’s ok to say, “Let’s bring it down and deal with the issues, not the emotions.”
2. To prevent an argument – An argument is really a debate. Is anyone really listening? And if no one’s listening, nothing can be resolved, and if nothing can be resolved, why go there? It’s ok to say, “Are we willing to listen to each other? If so, let’s go, if not, let’s not”.
3. To end an argument – Is anything getting resolved?  Cut it off. Pick it up later, but with clear parameters of how to discuss the issue. It’s ok to say, “Stop! This is going nowhere. Let’s pick it up when we can address the issue without the emotions”.
4. When dealing with unprofessional behavior – Many of us have been on the receiving end of unprofessional behavior. Maybe you were yelled at. Maybe you were insulted (not assaulted, there’s definite immediate action you need to take on that). Too many times, we give people a pass because they have a title, or we report to them. Bad behavior is bad behavior. Taking the high road in this case doesn’t mean that you’re not going to address the situation because you should. It does mean you’ll address it in a professional manner at a time of your choosing. It may be a teachable moment for the person. It’s ok to say, “This is inappropriate and I’m going to end it here. We can talk about this at another time.” What are they going to say? Whatever it is, you can politely walk away.
5. When dealing with ignorance – Sometimes people just don’t know any better. They tell you what they don’t know by what they say or do. Help them. Show them another way to address the situation or how to have a meaningful conversation. Ignorance isn’t a crime. It’s an opportunity to learn.

Taking the high road usually deals with emotions. Emotions are good when used in the right way – to express feelings in a constructive way.

Taking the highroad is a choice. Rarely, if ever, will it take you in the wrong direction and it will always present the best view of you!