Chinu Kala’s Post

Most workplace friction doesn’t come from what’s said – but from what’s left unsaid. There, I said it. A quick feedback.  A simple clarification.  A missed “thank you.” Previously, I used to overthink every message. Draft. Delete. Rephrase. Wait for the “right time.” But here’s what I learned – the right time rarely comes. Recently, I came across something called the '5-Minute Rule.' It entirely changed how I communicate now. → If it can be said in under 5 minutes, say it now. → If it can be solved in under 5 minutes, solve it now. No scheduling. No hand-wringing. No Slack drafts sitting for hours. - That uncomfortable feedback? Send it now. - That tiny clarification? Say it before it snowballs. - That appreciation you’ve been meaning to express? DO IT. Here’s what happened when I started doing this: - Fewer misunderstandings. - Stronger relationships. - Lesser brain fog. But let’s be clear: This rule works for communication, not reaction. If you need time to process emotions, take it. But once you know what needs to be said, don't let overthinking delay the conversation. Most of our anxiety around communication doesn’t come from saying the wrong thing. It comes from waiting too long to say the right one. So here’s my question for you – What’s one conversation you’ve been postponing that could happen in the next 5 minutes?