3 strategies to up your empathy
Once in a while, we all need a reminder that our co-workers’ behaviors are not necessarily designed just to drive us crazy.
Category: Tactfully Speaking
What’s the underlying message?
Written words, especially in emails or texts, often can be misleading as they are void of vocal inflection, body language and other cues. How often have you written something with a hint of sarcasm only to discover the reader took it at face value?
Focus on small wins
Sometimes, reaching distant goals can feel like an unending quest, especially if our objectives are months or years away. So how do we stay focused for the long haul?
Get down to the nitty-gritty
There’s an old adage, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Researchers, along with the popular media, have given the attribute of mental toughness the catchier label “grit.” So how do we get more of it? I’ve found three things that help to strengthen this quality.
Are you playing defense?
It may not be easy to acknowledge that you are a defensive communicator. Understand that being defensive makes it difficult for others to speak honestly with you, as they don’t want to upset you. Some common defense mechanisms include sarcasm, blaming, trivializing, overexplaining or withdrawing. Here are steps you can take to address it.
Change is possible
Research shows that young girls who are smarter-than-average tend to believe their abilities are innate and can’t be changed, whereas young boys are more likely to believe they can learn something by persevering and re-doubling their efforts. What challenge would you undertake if you embraced the truth that through your efforts you could find success?
How does your memory stack up?
Paying attention enhances our memory, but it’s not a simple feat. Fortunately, we can employ numerous tricks to make sure information sticks.
What’s your why?
We usually begin our careers with enthusiasm. We then either continue to show up energized and excited about our contributions, or we fall into patterns and work becomes simply work. If you’re in the latter category, it’s time to rediscover your why.
Being right isn’t always right
If the need to be right drives you, it’s often because it was modeled growing up. I encourage you to take a different approach.
Silence buzz about Queen Bees
Popular culture has promoted the idea of the Queen Bee boss—a woman executive who actively blocks the career advancement of other women (think Meryl Streep’s role in “The Devil Wears Prada”). While it makes for a juicy character, it’s far from today’s workplace reality, according to a Catalyst report.