Tin Rhythms from Tiny Hearts: Boldness to Lead with Empathy
Some complain they aren’t supported and others find ways to serve.
Some wait for people to care for them and some choose to care for others.
There are two buckets and you are in one.
Bucket number one is filled with tiny hearts that quiver with tin rhythms. Bucket number two is filled with generous hearts beating with bold rhythms.
Tiny hearts:
- Can’t show appreciation until they receive appreciation. “No one appreciates me.”
- Resent those who have what they desire. “Why is she successful when I work so hard?”
- Drift in the shadows waiting to be noticed and complain when they aren’t. “No one cares for me.”
Tiny hearts are self-conscious but not self-aware.
Fear makes you self-conscious. You’re afraid of being disrespected and unappreciated. But a tiny heart denies its need for appreciation and respect.
Self-conscious people can’t show empathy.
Bold rhythms:
Someone said, “There are two types of people in the world. Those who put people into two categories and those who don’t.”
The two-bucket theory is wrong. You have a tiny heart AND a bold heart.
I see a bold heart beating alongside my tiny heart.
Every day I choose to live with fear or boldness. My tiny heart needs to be noticed. But my bold heart notices others.
My quivering heart says appreciate me. My bold heart tells me to appreciate others.
Your bold heart gives what your tiny heart needs.
Empathy:
Disruption and adversity teach you the audacity of leading with an open heart.
You learn empathy by connecting personal need with the need of others. You feel under-appreciated; others need recognition.
Your tiny heart teaches you empathy.
You understand others by understanding yourself.
Every morning you face the choice between tin rhythms and boldness.
Bold rhythms turn outward. Tin rhythms quiver.
Warning: Giving for the purpose of getting is manipulation.
How might leaders rise to boldness and empathy?
Bonus material:
Why Being a Generous Leader can Make You a Great Leader (Mindtools)
Empathy in the Workplace (CCL)
Loved today’s post, Dan! I got a kick out of the “two buckets” quote!
Thanks Michael. Glad you enjoyed. Best wishes.
Thank you Dan,
I appreciate how relevant your posts are, they are really helping during these trying times. Thank you for filling my bucket.
I want to make sure you know how big of an impact you make! Thank you
Hey Chris. Thank you so much. It’s a pleasure to be of service.
I was once in a meeting where it was stated that we live, everyday, with the choice to work in fear or not. I love your blog today because it reiterates the message learned as not to mention giving me a whole other way of seeing this.
Thanks Erva. There’s real truth to the idea that we work in fear of courage. We should acknowledge that courage isn’t the absence of fear. Courage is working through fear.
The other thing that comes to mind is the question of making work safe for people. How do we create psychological safety?
A great message. We need more bold hearts today. Michael
Thanks Michael. Maybe we can be bold in small ways. Cheers
Whether it’s one bucket, two buckets, or a bucket brigade, remember nobody can pour from an empty bucket!
That’s the truth.
Wow! Since being introduced to this blog, I am blown away with how thoughtful your posts are. They are just what I need. Thank you!
Thank you Savannah. It’s kind of you to stop in and be a source of affirmation and encouragement.
Dan, you continually impress me. You always write what I am thinking. Leadership Freak is one of my favorites to get in my inbox! Stay well.
Thanks Becky. Best wishes for the week.
May 9
Thank you Mr. Dan for your post
I am hearing this term for the first time “tiny hearts, bold rhythms”, however I see examples of these expressions everyday.
I agree with the fact that tiny hearts can’t show appreciation until they recieve it, resent those that have what they desire to have, and those that complain when they are not notice. I have been labeling folks like this with small minds.
In reference of bold rhythms, this expression affirms the character and strength that I have passed on to my children and attempt to pass on to graduate students while interning in our clinic. Choosing everyday to live in boldness not fear, understanding ourselves so we can understand others better. But also knowing when to show empathy in every situation.
We must remember leaders are people too. As leaders we are designed to do the job and want to do it well. However we must know when to turn on and off those qualities of leadership to better serve others. Especially those that are looking up to us, whether that is an employee with a lower job status, an intern, a family member. But most importantly, we must remember to serve others while showing empathy.