Tag: empathy

Shades

FabrizioLeave a comment

Feeling ineffective is very different from feeling worthless.

Being down is not the same as being miserable.

If someone irritates us, it’s not the same as if they would enrage us.

When we feel regret for a situation, that does not make the situation humiliating.

Language is made of shades. And when it comes to emotions, in particular, being able to verbalize the different levels of intensity can make the difference between seeing options and getting lost.

We can get better at expressing how we feel, and this vocabulary of emotions by Ed Batista is a fantastic tool for that.

How are you feeling today?

Simple

FabrizioLeave a comment

There are two problems with writing in a way that is complex and self-serving.

The first problem is that people will not understand.

The second problem is that people will not raise their hands to tell you they did not understand. You’ll go home thinking everything is clear. And you’ll be left wondering why you are not achieving what you were expecting to achieve.

Keep things simple.

Simple is also what you like to read, after all.

It does

FabrizioLeave a comment

I wish I could say that cutting corners does not work, but it does.

I wish I could say that being mean to others, shouting, and badmouthing them does not work, but it does.

I wish I could say that underpaying employees and pursuing loops to avoid taxes does not work, but it does.

I wish I could say that hiding, pretending to work, faking a smile does not work, but it does.

I wish I could say that being bossy and controlling does not work, but it does.

I wish I could say that dumping trash in the environment, not caring about the community, avoiding regulations does not work, but it does.

I wish I could say that not acknowledging your mistakes does not work, but it does.

The point is, what does “work” mean to you? What is success? Are you happy with the way you carry out your business, your hobby, your profession?

Also, how would you expect others to behave when you are on the receiving end?

Do it for yourself

FabrizioLeave a comment

In the parenting journey, there comes a time when you realize you have to give your kids control. It happens quite early, to be honest. It’s when they start to go out play with other kids by themselves, without adult’s supervision.

You have to start give them control, even gradually. And be there to help them handle the consequences of the choices they make. Sure, you do that because you want them to grow as independent, resilient human beings. But you do that also for a very egoistic reason: you simply do not have the energy and time to deal with all the questions they have, to asses all the situations they come to you with, to fix all the problems they face.

In the leadership journey, you will find something similar. If you feel overwhelmed, if you find yourself wondering whether your team can do anything without your input, if you want everything under your own supervision. It’s time to give away control.

If not for your team, do it for yourself.

The benefit will be immediate.