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Thank you for all your emails and comments about the pause, reflect, respond suggestion I shared last week for managing stressors. I really appreciate the feedback!
On another note, A Better Paradigm’s resource directory is growing. Be sure to visit every few weeks to see the new recommended coaches, development companies, podcasts, books, and more. And if you’ve got products or services to offer the community, please submit the Resource Recommendation Form to be added to the directory. It’s short and well-worth 3 minutes of your time.
There’s so much data coming out about the financial benefits for businesses centered around their people. And in our latest A Better Paradigm podcast, Natalie Lorenzo has a fast-paced and data-rich conversation with corporate wellness coach and Wellness Worx CEO, Christine Boucher. MBA, RN.
Also, the Book of the Moment section debuts in this week’s issue of Niki’s Notes. Enjoy!
🚀 Stories to Help You Drive Change
SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a link that may bypass the paywall. And hey, if you like the publication, consider subscribing!
- Leesa S. writes about entrepreneurs stumbling when success arrives. For example, many see themselves as underdogs, fighting to disrupt an industry. Then, when they get the funding and their business starts to win, they don’t know how to adjust their self-view. I’m sharing because the need to rewrite the narrative that drives us forward applies to all of us, in all walks of life and at all stages of our careers. Key point: adjust your narrative from time to time to stay aligned with where you want to go!
- Are you familiar with the Waffle House Effect? These comfort-food restaurants are known for staying open during natural disasters to provide for their communities, so federal agencies now watch for Waffle Houses being closed as a gauge for how bad a disaster is. Interesting podcast (transcript and audio link) for your consideration.
- In all the years I’ve been writing about communications and compassion in business environments, I have never known about different types of empathy. Thanks to The Center for Compassionate Leadership, I have this distinction to share: Affective empathy is the feeling aspect of sharing in another’s emotions. Cognitive empathy is the ability to understand another’s emotions without necessarily feeling them ourselves, allowing us to take the perspective of another person, recognizing their experiences with clarity and insight. Affective empathy fuels our emotional connection; cognitive empathy enables us to respond effectively.
- One of your co-workers has experienced the loss of someone close to them. What do you say? What don’t you say? Jefferson Fisher has spot-on advice. Check out the comments for people sharing their personal experiences, too.
- More data on the financial benefits of people-centered businesses! Oh-so-worth the listen! Terri Maxwell, founder and CEO of Shift/Co, presents their 2025 Conscious Business Forecast, and I’m sharing it with everyone I can. Slide after slide, Terri drops compelling data and insights to energize you and your team around the business value of people-centered workplace practices. It’s about 50 minutes of wow, so grab a cup of whatever makes you happy and be ready to take lots of notes.
- How does your company check job applicants for “fit”? This story from The Wall Street Journal points to a wide range of tests, from astrology and handwriting analysis to quizzes and more. The quest is to find people who are capable and compatible. Challenges include not creating an echo chamber with everyone being compatible by being alike. More here.
✍️ Increase Workplace Kindness With Our Downloadable Planner
Here’s the prompt for Week 14 from A Better Paradigm’s compassionate workplace planner:
For week 14, we ask you to purposefully reorganize your desk and/or office to enjoy the boost that comes from changing your physical surroundings. Try it and let me know how it worked. (I did this a month ago by adding a secretary desk, moving motivational signs, and adding a plant to my main desk. Instant positive energy.)
Download the full, free planner/reflector, and let us know what you think.
NEW: 📖 Book of the Moment: Leading With Compassion
“What does it really mean to lead with compassion?”
Twenty-five thoughtful leaders weigh-in for Leading with Compassion, a new book produced by Changing Work. Each author shares their personal journey for embracing compassion and self-awareness and transforming not only the way they lead but also their connection to the world and the people around them. Learn from their experiences as you pave the way for better workplace culture with your team.
🎉 Just for Fun
- Want personalized emojis on your iPhone without downloading another app? You can turn saved photos into stickers that can be used as emojis, so if you’re waiting for a train, your kids, the doctor, etc. go ahead and give it a try.
- Okay, this one’s not so much for fun, but it is good for you: new research shows emulsifiers in our foods aren’t the benign elements we thought they were. Guess who’s making her own salad dressings now (added benefits—cost savings, fast, and delicious).
⏳Until Next Time…
The days are getting longer and warmer. My routine now includes a 3:00 pm walk: optimal sunshine for vitamin D absorption. It’s warmer than the mornings and a great break before winding up the business day. What are you doing to enhance your day with the added sunshine?
Remember, even when you’re working, it’s your life. Balance your responsibilities to others with your responsibilities to yourself.
Stay focused on what’s important to you—stay centered, stay strong.
Niki