Leadership and the power of empathy…

Got empathy? Apparently, it's trending. And it’s not just for actors anymore.

It is an actor's job to bring empathy to the stage and screen.

We are required to show up with the skills, willingness, and capacity to walk around in another's shoes. Fully imagining how a character moves through the world and bringing that role to life is one of the coolest and most exhilarating things about being an actor. Bringing empathy into the room is the least we are expected to do.

I will go out on a limb here and suggest it is the least our leaders ought to be expected to do too. More empathy makes us better humans. At work. At home. In life.

Click on the link for video tip on bringing more empathy to the table:

Lead with curiosity to bring your team together…

Table work.

Table work happens long before the curtain call.

Audiences (clients and customers)never see the table work, but they can feel it...if everyone has done the work.

In the first few days of rehearsal with a new script, writers, actors, directors, designers, and staff come together for “table work.” It’s just that, sitting around a table before we get up on our feet. Each person brings their perspective, thoughts, ideas, and we begin to hash out the story we are going to tell. Together. The room practically vibrates with energy and anticipation. Table work is where the magic starts to happen.

As we continue to navigate change in the workplace, there are likely new people, new roles, or new leadership at the virtual table for those team meetings aka table work. Many colleagues and clients are carrying heaps of differing thoughts, feelings, and perspectives into a new environment. Lots of changes. Lots of opportunities for the magic to happen.

When you choose curiosity about another person’s point of view, you bring presence and empathy into the room and give permission for others to bring authenticity to the table. Curiosity, Presence, Authenticity, and Empathy build Connection. Connection builds teams. Connected teams are a magical formidable force in the business world.

What are you bringing to the table to create Connection?

If you (or your team) are using too many filler words....

Um, do I DO really that???

I think team training should:

1.) Deliver customized & actionable tips, tools, and techniques that meet your needs to grow your business
2.)Deepen presence, authenticity, empathy, engagement, and connection among team members
3.) Be FUN!

Here’s a tiny nibble of my approach (with a tip included) for a common challenge…

Click on the link below…Enjoy!

Everything you do sends a message to your audience…

"When you cross your arms in front of your body you are sending a message that you are closing off your heart. It's a much stronger gesture to expose your heart and send the message that you are present, open, and available to the moment."

A director once gave me that note after a rehearsal.

I think of these words every time I am on stage, on a call, at a party, or, really, in any conversation. It is not always easy to choose openness and presence. An open heart can be a risky choice.

Yet, an open heart can also be a brave and bold choice. Especially, now. In such unsettling times. At work. At home. In life.

Consider me your authenticity advocate. I love hearing your stories of how you bring your whole self to work and encourage others to do the same. I am listening and learning.

My mask may cover up my face, but I will meet your words with an open mind and heart.

Stories foster Connection. Connections build relationships. Relationships grow your business.

Why audiences love BOLDness...

“I love the thought of averaging out my lies.”

One of my favorite lines when I played a quirky character in a wacky comedy written in a VERY different era.

She worked as a mailroom clerk in the bowels of a high rise of a large corporation.  Whatever she thought it went straight to her lips and out of her mouth.  Most of these moments were on her lunch break in the cafeteria.  She made it a point to seek out anyone new or someone sitting by themselves. It was the only time in her 8-hour day when she interacted with another human being.

At lunch one day she revealed to an unsuspecting new co-worker (for whom she developed a massive crush) how she keeps from feeling depressed:

"Every day we’re supposed to fill out a worksheet.  With exact daily totals of how many pieces of mail we’ve handled, how many forms filed.  It’s ridiculous.  (whispers) Everybody lies.  You make up numbers!  But the best part comes on Friday when you get to average them out.  I love that.  I love the thought of averaging out my lies.  It’s like some mystical way of arriving at the truth…"

In today’s world, some might call her an “over-sharer.” But I adored her. In spite of her solitary work, or perhaps because of it, all she was looking for were opportunities to connect with others. She was present, authentic, clear, empathetic, and engaged. 

While I am still sorting out the notion that the truth comes from averaging out one’s lies…the actor in me knows that audiences root for a person who is bold and fearless. 

So let this be your call to action to go tap into your inner mailroom clerk and let me know what truth you discover about yourself, your work, or the work you aspire to do. I will be happy to be your audience…encouraging you along the way.

(credit to The Cashier by Glen Merzer)