Condescension looks down at others while laughing at them; compassion lifts others up while laughing with them
Suppose someone walking on a road slips and falls into a manhole. If onlookers laugh without helping, that would be terrible. …
We don’t owe our friends a positive response, but we do owe them a sensitive response
Suppose we try something creative for the first time and are unsure about the quality of the product: “Is it good? Is it great?…
Before a prescription can inspire action, the diagnosis must inspire conviction
When we are in a position of guiding others, we sometimes find that people don’t listen to us. If our inputs are repeatedly…
Speak in a way that educates and engages, not enrages and estranges
Suppose we have some knowledge that will be helpful or valuable for others. When we speak to share it with them, we sometimes…
Appreciating others’ achievement fosters extrinsic self-worth, appreciating their commitment fosters intrinsic self-worth
Suppose we are guiding someone, as when we are parents guiding our children. Guiding involves both correcting and appreciating:…
To speak effectively, learn to let go of what you think you are speaking and hear what others are hearing
While communicating with others, we are often surprised, even shocked by how they misunderstand us: “I spoke something…