Pragmatic is an approach to life that focuses on practicalities and results. It involves considering resources, limitations, and current circumstances before making decisions, which reduces the impact of emotions and biases on decision-making. Being pragmatic also helps individuals establish goals that are realistic for their capabilities, reducing the likelihood of frustration and disappointment. Pragmatism has been embraced by liberatory philosophical projects such as feminism and ecology, while being a key component in many agile software development processes.
Pragmatists are able to identify challenges that may arise from an action and take preventive measures in advance. This is a crucial factor in ensuring that tasks are completed successfully, particularly when working with others on professional projects. Pragmatists are also able to set realistic expectations and avoid getting caught up in unrealistic fantasies or worst-case scenarios, which can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Being pragmatic allows people to recognise and work with different perspectives, acknowledging that there are a variety of viewpoints on any given issue. This approach promotes greater understanding and fosters healthy relationships with colleagues, friends, and family members.
It is often difficult for pragmatists to understand the hesitancy of thoughtfully inclined people, which can cause misunderstandings and tension in personal and business interactions. When working together on a project, a pragmatist will usually assume that their coworker is not stalling due to emotional blocks rather than an actual lack of interest or motivation. This can be frustrating for thoughtful people, especially when it comes to completing professional tasks.
Practicing pragmatism requires individuals to remove their personal biases and focus on the task at hand, rather than worrying about how they perceive other people. This can be challenging for some, but is an essential step to becoming a more successful and productive individual. In addition, practising pragmatism will help people make better decisions by considering the pros and cons of each option before deciding which one is best for them. This way, they can be more confident that the decision they are making is in their best interests, and will not have any negative consequences in the future.
As a methodological principle, pragmatism encourages researchers to be flexible in their investigative techniques. For example, if an experiment does not produce the desired outcome, it is a good idea to learn from the experience and try something new. This can lead to the development of better and more effective products, services, and strategies in the future.
Teaching pragmatics is a vital aspect of language instruction, as it helps students develop their ability to communicate effectively in social situations. Joseph Siegel, in his Forum article “Pragmatic Activities for the Speaking Classroom,” provides a useful activity for practicing request scenarios that is an effective way to teach pragmatics and promote communication skills in the classroom.
In the workplace, being pragmatic can be beneficial for employees as it encourages a more innovative and forward-thinking mindset. It can also improve teamwork and collaboration, as it encourages open communication between co-workers. It is important for businesses to have a strong pragmatic mindset in order to compete in the global marketplace, and to ensure that their products, services, and strategies remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of technology and consumer demand.