Studied Indifference

Ms Carr’s demeanour was that of studied indifference. She gave her evidence as would a disinterested bystander who had had little or no engagement with the events discussed.

- Mr Justice Kerr, Federal Court, Roohizadegan v TechnologyOne Limited (No 2)

Step 1 in the Five Steps to Good Decision Making is to Step Back.

We privately surrender to the emotions that are our humanity. We make no apology. In doing so, we purge ourselves of the guilt that may distract us during the decision making process. Having indulged our ‘weaknesses’, we are less likely to attempt to suppress or conceal them with defensiveness, anger, cynicism, or contempt.

By purging our emotions, we have the confidence and energy to direct our attention outwards. To see the other. To connect with the humanity in our decision.

We proceed to Step 2 with the demeanour of studied indifference.