My most challenging interactions play out a lot like this. I’m a fixer. I want to get in and fix it (or if I can’t, I want to figure out how to motivate others to do it). As a result, this video called to me for two reasons:

1) It’s a reminder that we need to Listen More – sometimes, the conclusion we draw is not shared. Consequently, Empathy is best when we are not trying to insert our opinions (regardless of how unbelievably right we feel they may be) into the conversation.

2) You often must continue the message that a “Nail in the Head” will not end well. In her book “Radical Candor,” Kim Scott would call it your responsibility. Not saying anything would be what she calls “Ruinous Empathy” and, in this case – would likely not end well for the “Nail in the head” lady.

References and Resources

Kim Scott – Radical Candor

Supporting Music

Silent Kit by Pavement

There There by Radiohead (Live at Glastonbury 2003)

Note: Originally posted January 12, 2018