Is common sense common?

GROWING up as a child, I would often hear my grandparents (may they rest in peace) say “common sense make before book sense” and because of the constant repetition, this saying has resonated in my head up today as it is extremely relevant to life.

Unfortunately, based on many of the incidents that I have witnessed and continue to observe on a daily basis, I am forced to ask if common sense still exists? Common sense is free and should be acquired by every human being on this earth as it remains critical to success.

It requires us to be alert about our surroundings, knowing what and why things are happening around us, learning from those happenings and identifying strategies to treat with same in the event you are impacted.

Many senseless incidents could have been avoided if only a couple ounces of common sense had been applied. It is unfortunate for some to think that because they are degreed they don’t need anything else in their toolkit for survival but they are indeed wrong.

Though I am degreed, the greater part of my success particularly in relation to basic co-existence is sheer common sense.

Keen observation of those around you, their body language, how they respond to your communication towards them, whether or not they make eye contact when communicating, all of these help in making decisions as well as boost your wisdom.

Essentially it is the know-how of life. The who, what, why, when and where of life. Books provide us with technical competence and knowledge but not the basics.

Common sense is also linked to our environment as it contributes to shaping who we are.

Also in some aspects, it relates to the principles of integrity as sound decisions must be based on all facts and evidence applicable to each situation, something for which only common sense may be required.

Therein lies the challenge of those looking in from the outside in understanding why a particular decision was made. Common sense traverses the many facets of life including business, politics, relationships, entrepreneurship and the list is endless, one just needs to be keenly observant throughout every moment.

Because of the current volatility and competition faced by entrepreneurs and business owners, they have no choice but to exercise more prudence and wisdom in their decision-making as it hinges on sustainability and profitability.

Those in management and supervisory positions must at all times be vigilant and be able to think quickly on their feet as well as out-of-thebox, all of that requires common sense. Like water, common sense is required for our daily survival, as it has a tremendous impact on all segments of our lives and by extension the entire society.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant, author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or 283-0318.