Point Taken: The Power of Perspective-Taking in 2023

Did you set an intention for yourself last year? If so, where did you land with it?

One of my intentions was to feel the joy of Tell Me More About That’s publication—to be present in the moment, rather than always focusing on the next agenda item.

This year, as I approached New Year’s Eve to light a candle and set my intention, it occurred to me that what I should focus on is being present and ready to accept what the universe presents me. Much of what led to that thought was the harmonizing of a tremendous high (book launch) last year with a poignant low (passing of Grandma). I didn’t know Grandma was going to pass, but I had to be present, show up, and be there in the moment in order to help guide her through her transition.

Powerful stuff. Unpredictable stuff. I’m certain there will be more moments that come unexpectedly. More highs and lows. And I need to be present rather than thinking about that next agenda item or the future.

Did I succeed in my 2022 intention of experiencing the joy of the launch? I did. Every time I heard from a reader about how the book helped them choose a different path or how they laughed out loud at certain moments. All of those moments were very meaningful to me, and so many more.

If strengthening your empathy skills is on your list of intentions, or maybe it is for someone you know, I’d suggest this blog post as a great way to start.

I’d love to hear one of your intentions if you are comfortable sharing it with me. (Hit that reply button to let me know!)

Point Taken: The Power of Perspective-Taking in 2023

I’ve found empathy to be a misunderstood term. People often go straight to the “feeling” side of empathy, unaware of the power of cognitive, perspective-taking empathy.

I find that it’s cognitive empathy that is used in most of our interactions with people other than those we are closest to – the clerk at the store, the colleague in the office, the client on the phone, the stranger on the street.

The truth is, there are two forms of empathy: cognitive and emotional. Both are important and innate skills with which we are born. And both need to be nurtured to be made strong.

Which brings me back to the question at hand: How easy is it for you to see the point of view of others?

Per an Ignite 360 study last January, nearly 1/3 of US adults, 18+ (n=1,000) said they could not agree (or actually disagreed) with the statement, “It’s easy for me to see the point of view of others.”

Imagine that. 1/3 of the people you are going to encounter today cannot easily see your point of view. I suppose the good news is that 2/3 of the people can, but 1/3 feels like an awful lot.

And when you think about the degradation in our interactions, rage flaring up, and bad behavior on social media, it doesn’t have to be everyone engaging in that behavior, just enough to be noticeable.

Do you have the courage to help enact positive change through the skill of empathy? Just as we all have a role to play in the problem of our current Empathy Crisis, we all hold the same responsibility in the solution.

Storytelling in Uncertain Times

The market is resembling a roller coaster (or stormy sea 🌊) these days, with fluctuating gas and energy prices and the steady march of inflation, yet consumers appeared to still spend over the holidays.

Sharing analysis with your stakeholders is *always* important — now more than ever. And consumers should be in a leading role.

“What works today won’t work tomorrow.”

I love this illuminating thought piece from Ignite 360’s John Sularz, and I think you will too!

Did you hear that? Empathy was on-air!

On the morning of Monday, January 9, I had the pleasure of joining Deena Marie Manzanares and Surae Chinn on Good Things Utah!

We don’t have to look very far to see that there’s an empathy crisis everywhere. The evidence is empirical as well as anecdotal.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share #The5Steps to overcoming our differences and connecting every day in meaningful ways with new friends in Salt Lake City.

In fact, they’ve asked me back for a series of follow-up segments!

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this edition of Reading Between the Lines. If you know others that you think would be interested, please forward this email to them or invite them to sign up at the button below. Thank you!

— Rob