Fast Answers vs. Smart Answers

I tend to answer fast.

It feels natural. It keeps conversations dynamic. It makes me sound sharp.

But is it always the best approach?

Thinking Takes Effort

When we answer a question instantly, we pull from what we already know—past knowledge, past thoughts, past conclusions.

It’s efficient. But is it learning?

Generating new thoughts requires thinking. And thinking requires time.

Kahneman would say: thinking fast or slow.

The Power of Slower Answers

When I work asynchronously, I have time to process. I pause. I reflect. My responses become more thoughtful, more refined.

In live discussions, or days with back-to-back meetings, conversations move fast.

I need to learn to create space for thinking.

Do You Want to Sound Smart or Be Smart?

Quick answers can make you sound sharp. Slow answers can make your answers sharp.

The next time someone asks a question, pause.

Take a breath.

Do you want to repeat what you’ve already known or connect the dots differently?

Take your time to think.

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