Pause for reflection, as if the question never occurred to
you. Then say to hr, “You know, I really can’t think of
anything.” (Pause again, then add): “I would add that as a
general management principle, I’ve found that the best way
to avoid regrets is to avoid causing them in the first
place. I practice one habit that helps me a great deal in
this regard. At the end of each day, I mentally review the
day’s events and conversations to take a second look at the
people and developments I’m involved with and do a double
check of what they’re likely to be feeling. Sometimes I’ll
see things that do need more follow-up, whether a pat on the
back, or maybe a five minute chat in someone’s office to
make sure we’re clear on things…whatever.”