Alertness in Balance

Take Responsibility

Alertness is complemented by responsibility: "knowing and doing what is expected of me." Once you connect the signals and piece together the situation, respond to it. If you witness an accident, the responsible action is to stop and offer to give a statement or report the accident. Whether in the car, on the job, or at home, it is irresponsible to observe a problem and ignore it.

Use Discretion

Discretion is "recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences." Communicating concerns to the wrong people or in the wrong manner may cause more damage than saying nothing. When you have information to communicate, consider carefully who should receive it.

Exercise Caution

Alertness is strengthened when exercised with cautiousness: "knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions." An alert neighbor might discern that a friend is discouraged. To be most effective, however, the neighbor waits for the right opportunity to ask a caring question and offer a listening ear. Sometimes the right time is now, but determining the right time will always require sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings.