"Understanding the Difference: Sympathy, Empathy, and Compassion.

(By Harvard Business Review)

In today's challenging times, leaders are tasked with the overwhelming responsibility of supporting their teams through ongoing uncertainties.

It's crucial to understand the subtle but significant differences between sympathy, empathy, and compassion.

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent different levels of connection and action:

➟ Sympathy: "I feel for you."
It's an emotional response acknowledging another's hardship.

➟ Empathy: "I feel with you."
It involves deeply understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

➟ Compassion: "I am here to help."
This goes beyond feeling to actively intending to help others.

In our ongoing efforts to navigate through this pandemic, moving from sympathy and empathy to compassion is key.

Compassionate leadership not only acknowledges and understands what others are going through but also takes actionable steps to support and help them.

Let's strive to lead with compassion, creating a supportive and proactive environment for our teams.

Source: Adapted from "Connect with Empathy, But Lead with Compassion", HBR"

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6 storytelling frameworks you need to know.

Most CEOs get storytelling wrong.

And it's costing them millions.

I've seen brilliant ideas die in boardrooms.
Watched potential investors check their phones.
Noticed employees' eyes glaze over during speeches.

Not because the ideas were bad.
But because the story wasn't there.

These 6 frameworks change everything:

1) Simon Sinek's Golden Circle
↳ Don't start with what you do. Start with WHY you do it.
↳ Then explain HOW you do it differently.
↳ Only then share WHAT you actually offer.

When Airbnb pitches, they don't just say "we rent rooms."
They start with "we create belonging."

2) Minto's Pyramid Principle
↳ Hit them with your main point first.
↳ Support it with clear evidence.
↳ Add details only if they ask.

Your busy stakeholders will love you for this.
No more waiting until slide 20 for the punchline.

3) The Pixar Pitch
↳ "Once upon a time..." (set the scene)
↳ "Every day..." (show the problem)
↳ "Until one day..." (introduce your solution)
↳ "Because of that..." (share the impact)
↳ "Until finally..." (reveal the transformation)

This structure is pure magic for showing
your company's journey or vision.

4) StoryBrand Framework
↳ Your customer is Luke Skywalker
↳ You're Yoda, the guide
↳ Show them how to win

Stop making your company the hero. It's not about you.

5) What, So What, Now What
↳ State the facts clearly
↳ Explain why anyone should care
↳ Define the next steps

Perfect for turning quarterly reports from sleep aids
into action drivers.

6) ABT (And, But, Therefore)
↳ Set up what everyone agrees on
↳ Introduce the challenge
↳ Present your solution

When you need to be quick and compelling,
this is your go-to.

In today's world, the best story wins.

It wins the talent.
It wins the customers.
It wins the investment.

Your brilliance deserves a story that matches it.

Master these frameworks, and watch what happens to:

Your impact.
Your influence.
Your bottom line.

Repost to help a CEO in your network.

"Master your time with these 10 powerful strategies! From the 3/3/3 Method to the 2-Minute Rule, unlock your productivity potential and take control of your day."

70% use words that undermine their authority.

Especially in work emails.

9 phrases I'm retiring from my emails:

(and what I plan to use instead)

“So sorry for the delay” → “Thanks for your patience”

“What works best for you?” → “Could you do…?”

“No problem/no worries” → “Always happy to help”

“I was just wondering if we…” → “I propose we…”

“I hope this looks ok” → “I look forward to your feedback”

“Hopefully that makes sense?” → “Let me know if you have questions”

“Just wanted to check in” → “When can I expect an update”

“Ahhh sorry my bad, totally missed that” → “Thanks for letting me know”

”So sorry to bother you but…” → “I wanted to discuss…”

—-

Most don’t realize this,

Our words shape perceptions.

The key is recognizing ones that diminish authority.

Then replace them with clear, confident language.

Small changes can make a big impact.

Start communicating confidently today!

Do you find yourself using any of these phrases?

Let me know.
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Don’t just work, work wonders!

"Success is the result of consistent, repeated action.

12 tiny habits to change your life.

Motivation comes and goes. But small accumulated habits change lives.
Use these 12 tiny habits to change your life today:

1. Practice Gratitude Journalling
↳ Take a moment to reflect on what you are grateful each day.
↳ This will increase happiness, reduce stress and improve your mental health.

2. Drink Water Every Morning
↳ Drink a cup of water every single morning.
↳ This will kickstart your metabolism and rehydrate you for the day ahead.

3. Exercise for 20 minutes every day
↳ Complete a form of exercise for 20 minutes every day.
↳ Your daily exercise doesn’t have to be extreme it can be a simple walk or jog.

4. Put your gym clothes out the night before
↳ Prepare and lay out your outfit for the gym the night before.
↳ This will make it easier to wake up and get moving the following day.

5. Stretch for 10 minutes per day
↳ Aim to complete a 10-minute stretch routine every day.
↳ This will help your body combat the side effects of sitting at a desk all day.

6. Work on your posture
↳ Your posture will suffer from looking down at mobile phones and computers.
↳ Pin your shoulders back, puff your chest out and bring your chin up to improve this.

7. Walk in the morning
↳ Walking in the morning is a great way to get sunlight on your skin.
↳ Pair this with your 20-minute exercise habit to maximise productivity.

8. Limit screen time before bed
↳ Blue light from screens can negatively affect your sleep.
↳ Aim to avoid screens for at least one hour before bed to increase REM sleep.

9. Make a random act of kindness
↳ Being kind to someone is a benefit to all involved.
↳ This can be as simple as a passing compliment to somebody at work.

10. Practice Deep Breathing
↳ Deep breathing reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
↳ Completing breathing exercises can help you relax in high-pressure situations.

11. Focus on the 80/20 rule
↳ Identify the 20% of your inputs that give 80% of outputs.
↳ Double down on these inputs to maximise productivity and progress quickly.

12. Use the two-minute rule
↳ If it takes less than 2 minutes to complete a task do it immediately.
↳ This will help reduce procrastination and prevent small tasks from building up.

Implement a handful of these habits today.
To enjoy a healthier, happier and more productive life tomorrow.

Which of these habits will you be putting into practice?
Let me know in the comments ⬇"