Years ago, our son’s psychiatrist forewarned us that Jeremy would likely struggle during Daylight Savings Time. Jeremy, like many young adults with autism, struggles emotionally in the fall with time changes and allergies. By being forewarned, it was easier for us to be patient and to help Jeremy navigate the oncoming fall season. In our workplaces, it’s likely that we ...
In this series, we are looking at five traits common to successful entrepreneurs and how unconventional business leaders should approach each. Today’s trait is Compassionate Empathy. The definition of empathy is "the ability to identify with or understand another's situation or feelings." Compassion is "deep awareness of the suffering of another accompanied by the wish to relieve it." Empathy involves ...
Many years ago, two businessmen considered buying a bank. They had discussions with me about becoming the CEO of that bank. Unbeknownst to me, they asked a former boss of mine his opinion on my ability to run the bank. It was reported to me that he told them, “Rick certainly has the skills and background for that job, but ...
Recently, a Marketplace Chaplains Care Partner was called by a company they serve to respond to a potential suicide threat. A male employee had a gun and was not responding to police efforts. The care partner arrived and made verbal contact with the young man and engaged him in conversation to attempt a peaceful resolution. The employee started sharing his ...
Grocery chain, Schnuck’s, observed the restaurants in their communities struggling for survival. As the holidays approached, Schnuck’s also wanted to do something nice for their employees. Schnuck’s creatively purchased $200,000 worth of gift cards from local restaurants and then gave the gift cards to their employees. Their creative and compassionate response resulted in a win/win solution. In Mark 8, Jesus ...
In a Harvard Business Review article, leadership coach, Carol Kauffman, references what she calls a “contempt attack.” She claims some people excel under pressure, but struggle to understand or empathize with those who waver during a crisis. This can lead to feelings of contempt for those who they perceive as weaker. These kinds of leaders may accomplish the goal, but ...
Years ago, I listened as a bank customer became loud and verbally abusive to one of our personal bankers. He said hateful things that crushed her spirit and had her in tears. Greg, our bank president, heard what was going on and intervened. He rebuked the customer, handed the customer a check for the balance in his account, and told ...
Knit-Rite has been one of our sponsors for many years. This manufacturer of innovative textiles for the medical industry is also an innovator in serving our community. While many businesses are focused on survival during the pandemic, Knit-Rite began asking the question, “What can we do to help during this crisis?” They realized they had the equipment and the skills ...
Every Saturday, I pick up our son, Jeremy, from his group home to go to lunch. In March, after picking up Jeremy one Saturday morning, I learned that Jeremy’s house had been quarantined. The group home decided not to allow Jeremy to return to the house. Since Jeremy’s job was also cancelled, we found ourselves with a dilemma. How would ...
Imagine, what would it have taken to impress Jesus? Yet, there was a man in Luke 7 whom Jesus marveled over. This impressive leader wasn’t even a Jew, but instead, a Roman Centurion. In this brief story, we learn of a military leader, who commanded hundreds, asking Jesus to heal this Centurion’s servant. This man models several qualities which may ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
