Hi,

When we think about making workplaces more compassionate, our focus tends to be inside our own companies. But external stakeholders make up part of our workplace, too.

A few weeks ago, I was scheduled to meet with someone I’d been introduced to by a mutual friend on Zoom. The meeting started on time, but the other person had their camera off. As we greeted each other, they told me they were going to stay off camera and be distracted for a while, because they were helping an employee with a project. I took a mental jog down the compassion pathway. The first question is almost always about intention. Were they intentionally being discourteous? Probably not—they most likely thought showing up on time and being honest about being distracted was the right thing to do. Then I jumped to the next step: what was the most compassionate action to take for both of us? I offered that I had pressing priorities as well and suggested we reschedule when we could give each other our full attention, and they agreed. No heat. No stewing. Action taken with mutual respect. Compassionate mission accomplished!

This is important to note regarding the compassion-forward movement. It’s not about being “nice.” A nice response would have been to continue the call and just say, “Okay.” Nice to them, not good for me. Compassion means being respectful to yourself as well as the other person. Balance.

How would you handle a similar situation with compassion? Have you had experiences like this too? What are the steps in your compassion pathway?

And now, here are the stories I’m sharing this week:

• Remember, perspective plays a big role in how we interpret what’s going on, and how we respond. Here’s a reminder.

• Global Learning and Development expert Abhijit Bhaduri shares survey results, videos, and insights for where and why people are happiest and who is most at risk. He also provides suggestions for how to help our youth who are shown, in study after study, to be at significant risk for How can you apply this to your team (and help them support the people in their spheres)?

• I often talk about BCorps and the rigorous process companies go through to get that certification. Here’s an example of a company I admire, Fratelli Carli, sharing how they don’t rest on their laurels and are always working to make the world better through their sustainability initiatives. Spark any ideas for your business?

• Writing for Esquire, Jeff Gordinier says it’s harder than ever to be a man in America, and he has advice for being a better man despite the challenges. It’s really good advice. That’s why I’m sharing it.

• Do you want to know, or do you choose not to? According to this article by Linh Vu and Margarita Leib, “Altruists seek to understand how their actions will affect others—while willful ignorance can free people to act selfishly.” Learn more about choosing to know or not in this article from Scientific American.

• Did you know you can split your screen using Windows 10 or 11? Big time saver when you’re on the road without extra monitors. CCleaner.com shows you how.

• Randall S. Peterson writes, “During turbulence and crisis, however, time pressure typically encourages people to revert to that which is familiar – this is called the threat-rigidity effect. That means there is a tendency toward a narrower view of the world when driven by fear or anxiety. Feelings of threat also encourage people to focus more on outcomes, leading to reduced creativity and risk taking.” Feel familiar? Check out this story in Forbes for how to avoid the threat-rigidity trap.

• Good sports! The University of Idaho band stepped in to play for the Yale men’s basketball team in the NCAA Tournament when the Yale band couldn’t be there. Thanks for sharing, Stacy Sarno!

• Inc. reports the backlash against DEI and climate change initiatives at larger companies. These moves provide opportunities for BCorps and those that behave like them to scoop up talent determined to make the world stronger through people- and planet-focused initiatives.

Do Good Spotlight
🌟 Meals on Wheels 🌟

One in two seniors living alone lacks the income to pay for basic needs. Meals on Wheels delivers meals and services to seniors in need. They have over 5,000 community-based programs nationwide. If you want to get involved or contribute, you can check them out: Meals on Wheels America. Thanks to Stephanie Alberto for the recommendation!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and be on the lookout for April Fools pranks on Monday!

Niki