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Learn the Simple Skill of GOMO

May 9, 2001

"Mistakes happen.  Omitting your name from the recognition article was probably not intentional, but it is disappointing nevertheless.

In situations like this, sometimes the only productive reaction is to GOMO - get over it and move on.  What you can decide in a matter of minutes will keep you from endlessly stewing over a matter you cannot change.

But how do you GOMO?  Take these four steps?

1. Acknowledge your feelings.  Yes, it's as simple as admitting to yourself, 'Hey, what he did makes me angry.'
2. Pinpoint why you feel the way you do.  This phase of GOMO will probably be the most time-consuming, but don't skip it or hurry through it.  After you come up with an answer as to why you're angry, second-guess yourself: 'Is this really why I'm angry, or is it something else?'
3. Forgive.  Internally extend forgiveness in the same uncomplicated way you acknowledged your anger: 'She hurt me, and I'm angry.  I'm just going to have to forgive her and move on to more important things.'
4. Let go.  If a negative memory emerges about the situation deliberately stop your thoughts (1999, Teamwork, p. 2)."

Learn the simple skill of GOMO. (1999,September 17). Teamwork: Your Personal Guide to Working Successfully with People. 

Are you able to GOMO?

 Teamwork is available on loan from the OSU Leadership Center.  A complete listing of all the Leadership Center's resources is available on our website http://leadershipcenter.osu.edu/

We appreciate your comments about Leadership Moments, please e-mail your thoughts to Beth Flynn <flynn.61@osu.edu>

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Created: 2009-01-02, Updated: 2009-01-15