Realizing Empathy
Irony is when we judge others as lacking empathy
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Posts tagged ‘Belonging’

Focusing on a desire
of what we want
can create the tension
required to motivate us
to keep moving
toward the future.

And yet,
such desire alone
can often lead us
to inadvertently focus
on where we are not.

It is in being aware
of not only our desire,
but also the progress
we’ve made thus far
that we may recognize
where we are.

It is in this awareness,
where notions of
past, present, and future
can make way
for a sense
of belonging.

A sense
that we deserve
to be where we are,
thanks not only
to our own merits,
but also the merit
of our supporters,
and our circumstances.

Those of us
who started our companies
with nothing more
than “I want this!”
often lost our way
when we started wanting
things others say we should want
or things we assumed others wanted.

It was often
not until we got near the death
of our companies
and had to face
either those to whom we are indebted
or those whom we had to let go,
that we were forced
to return to the simple question
“What do I want?”

A question often misunderstood
as an expression of greed
or selfishness,
when in fact,
it can be the fuel
for the most empathic expression.

An expression that can provide value
to our customers,
partners,
employees,
shareholders
family
and ourselves.

An expression
born out
of a beginner’s mindset.

The risk
lies not merely in the risk,
But also in not sharing
the risk.

To achieve something great,
we often think
we have to take on all the burden
ourselves.

That this
is how we show our care.

That this
is something others
will appreciate.

Yet,
what may be more desired
by those cared for by us
is to belong,
to participate,
to contribute.

So as to take the risk
together.

No matter how great the risk.
No matter how difficult.
Something significant about it changes,
when it is shared together.

There was a period in my 20s, where it was as if “Human-Centered Design” was my family name. In other words, “Human-Centered Design” was a significant part of my identity. So much so that I felt an implicit sense of responsibility on my shoulders. To…

Forty Two

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