Be Wary of 'Misspeakers' Who 'Shoot From the Hip'

摘要

Problem: Have you ever been tempted to answer a question even though you were not sure of the answer? Perhaps the fear of looking stupid was so overwhelming that any answer was thought to be better than no answer? Under pressure, we may "shoot from the hip," forming an answer to a question in seconds and not taking time to weigh options or consider the question. The first answer that springs to mind becomes the only answer, and if it's wrong-which it often is-we "misspeak." But, speaking "off the cuff' with authority when you are not certain of the answer is a prescription for disaster in health care.