Distracted Quote by Kofi Annan
“Sometimes I walk into a situation and I know somebody is going to provoke me - not maybe, I know he will provoke me - I know he will provoke me! And there are times when I simply refuse to be provoked. And the other times you have to use that superior knowledge to carry on at work without distraction, and don't allow yourself to be distracted.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: UN General Assembly, 2005
Recognizing inevitable provocation, one can either resist or strategically use awareness to stay focused at work.
In simple terms: You can ignore or use provocation to stay focused.
Key Takeaway
Choose focus over reaction.
Themes
self‑control
focus
leadership
Mood
determined
calm
Type
motivational
professional
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- high‑pressure projects
- conflict resolution
- customer service
Key Concepts
Emotional intelligence
strategic awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you turn irritation into productivity?
- When is it better to confront than ignore?
A Different Perspective
Provocation may still disrupt if not managed well.
![“Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own [will], is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things…” quote by Paul the Apostle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5bb/paul-the-apostle-10243_accounts_love-is-patient-love-is-kind-and-is-not_260727.jpg)
