Chances are, when you act impulsively, you’ve only considered one point of view - your own. Take time to think of how this situation will look to the other people involved.

Two good ways to cut down on impulsive decisions are (1) try to anticipate situations that will arise and think about them in advance; (2) don’t hurry decisions unnecessarily. Put your first impulse away for a few hours or a day before you act on it. Then take another look at all sides of the question before you do.

Before you contact other people, even on matters that may seem fairly routine to you - put yourself in their shoes and think over what their jpoint of view is likely to be. How will it look to them? How will it affect their jpride, their job status, their satisfaction? If you were them what would you object to?

When opening a topic of discussion, it’s an excellent idea to show that you’ve been thinking of the situation from their point of view. If it isn’t apt to rile any feelings, tell them how you;ve guessed they might feel. See if you were right. If not, they’ll be pleased that you’ve been trying to consider their point of view.

When you’re trying to sell an idea to people and can see some obvious objections from their point of view, admit them immediately. This will prevent them from getting upset because they may think that their viewpoint isn’t being considered. It avoids any necessity for them to battle and to present any objections. That isn’t necessary, because you already recognize them. Starting by sympathizing with other peoples’ points of view makes for finding a satisfactory middle ground much easier. You’ve started by trying to apprceiate yours.