Pragmatic is a term used to describe someone who takes a businesslike approach to problems and makes decisions based on real-world circumstances. This type of person has an incredible ability to stay calm and make practical calls in a crisis, without getting stuck on big-picture ideals or emotion. They can take a problem apart, and figure out how to solve it step by step. This pragmatic mentality makes them a valuable asset in the workplace and a good friend in troubled times.
However, the word pragmatic has some negative connotations as well – it can be used to describe an officious or meddlesome person who always knows what’s best. And a person who is too pragmatic can sometimes seem lacking in morality or empathy. Despite these negative associations, there are many positive characteristics of being pragmatic.
For example, a pragmatic craftsman could decide to forgo the use of a classic tool in order to complete a task more quickly and efficiently. This pragmatic decision could save the crafter time and money, as opposed to using an expensive tool that may not have worked in the first place. This type of pragmatic thinking can also help people save time and money on mundane tasks, such as cooking or cleaning.
Being pragmatic can also allow us to let go of perfection and settle for something that is good enough. For example, a pragmatic mechanic might repair a car engine rather than replacing it if it will still run safely for a while. This pragmatism can lead to cost savings and prevent unnecessary stress.
There are many different ways to practice pragmatism in our daily lives, and it is important for both personal and professional success. However, it’s also important to remember that not everyone is a pragmatist. People who are too pragmatic can cause misunderstandings and friction in relationships. Pragmatists can be unable to understand the emotional blocks that prevent others from taking action, and this can cause friction in the workplace. This is especially true if a pragmatic colleague is working with a thoughtful colleague on a project.
The field of pragmatics focuses on the relationship between language and meaning in context. It tries to answer questions such as how we can know what a speaker means by their words, and the context in which they said them. For example, if your boss says “do you think I’m being ironic?” it would be helpful to know whether they meant it to be a joke or not. Knowing how to read between the lines can be a vital pragmatic skill, and it’s also useful for navigating ambiguity in conversation.