Be Ready for Monday

Caution v. Action

Written by Wellington Souza | Feb 20, 2021 2:27:09 PM

Any business leader who chooses inaction citing "caution" as a reason is misusing that word and its meaning to conceal a lack of preparedness. Anyone who has ever driven a car can tell you what the difference between a stop sign and a caution sign. Why then do these terms get muddled in a business context?
 
In business, "caution" is quite often the opposite of "action" if placed in the wrong context. When using that word in your business, consider carefully what you are saying, and then consider what your peers will hear when you say it. 
If you find that the opposite of your use of the word "caution" in the context of your conversation is "carelessness,” you are using caution for the right reasons. However, if the opposite is "action," adjust your sentence or your stance to fit what you actually mean.