The wisdom of waiting

Hello everyone,

This week in The Business Builder Bulletin, we're focusing on:

• The wisdom of waiting

• How rushed reactions can cost you

• Why calm equals credibility

• Your action step📝

Recently, I’ve found myself watching interviews with former boxing champion Chris Eubank Junior. He’s always been a fascinating figure—cool, composed, deeply reflective. In one Ring Magazine interview, he was asked:

And Eubank Jr replied:

That line hit me. 🔥
You learn to take your time.

It got me thinking about how often we’re pressured—in business and in life—to give instant answers. Quick decisions. Snap judgments. And yet, how often do we later think, “I wish I’d said something different”?

Rushing is Risky

Whether it's replying to a customer complaint, making a pricing decision, or answering a challenging question in a pitch meeting—rushed responses can lead to:

• Poor communication

• Damaged relationships

• Lost opportunities

• Regret

When we don’t pause to think, we often act from emotion—especially stress, fear, or defensiveness. In business, that can cost you not only credibility, but contracts too.

Composure Builds Confidence

Eubank’s approach is something we can all learn from. When you're deliberate, people listen more intently. You come across as calm, considered, and confident. You become someone others trust.

Think about the last time you were in a tough conversation—whether with a team member, a client, or even a prospect. Did you feel pressure to fill the silence? To come up with an answer on the spot?

You don’t have to.
A simple, “Let me think about that,” or “That’s a great question, I’d love to get back to you with a proper answer,” can be far more powerful than blurting something out under pressure.

Strategic Silence

Taking a pause doesn’t mean you’re unsure. It means you care about your message. It gives you the chance to:

• Align your answer with your values

• Avoid defensiveness or knee-jerk reactions

• Demonstrate emotional intelligence

• Provide clarity instead of confusion

As the saying goes: “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” Or in Eubank’s case: “Take your time—so you don’t say what you’ll regret.”

Your Action Step

This week, try this in your business conversations: don’t rush to answer.

In meetings, on calls, in emails—pause. Take the time to understand what’s being asked. Consider your reply. And if you need more time, say so. That alone builds respect.

If you manage a team, encourage this culture too. Let them know they don’t need to have every answer instantly. Thoughtfulness is a strength, not a weakness.

The Business Takeaway

We live in a world that celebrates speed. Fast replies. Instant gratification. But in business, depth trumps speed. Strategic decisions and meaningful relationships are built on clarity and care—not knee-jerk reactions.

Next time you feel the pressure to react fast, think of Eubank. Take your time. Breathe. Respond with power and presence.

Here’s to building businesses that speak with intention, not impulse.

Until next time,
Graeme
Manchester Business Coaching

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