Connecting

Have you tried using any of the insight and techniques for growing trust and sincerity? How did it go?

I've been attempting to treat every person that I meet throughout the day with openness and kindness. I can tell that a level of trust has developed as I've had more genuine conversations with these people.

How did empathic listening go?

I tried informal empathic listening twice and it was quite interesting. I didn't do much discussing with the person I was listening to, but I did feel much more in tune with what they were saying and feeling. I felt happiness for one of the people I listened to as they told me about how they are loving life at the moment. And I felt sadness when listening to the other, as this person had not been treated well at their workplace. I tend to have difficulty with empathy but it turns out if I make an effort to really listen and focus on the person who is talking, I can feel what they feel.

Complete the political awareness exercise below.

• The Situation: I had to bring a lot of gear to and from work one day, due to a work function and I would not be heading home until very late. Drinks would be had at this function and I did not want to leave my car downtown over night. One of my colleagues, who wasn't participating in the function said he could drive my car home after work, and then come pick me and my gear up later that night. However my colleage instead ending up drinking with people after work, and therefore could not drive my car home nor pick me up. Therefore my colleague got one of their friends (who was sober) to drive my car home. The partying for them continued and therefore they were unable to pick me up later that night. As a result when I got back from the function, I had to walk home.
• My Perspective: I was furious because I my colleage did not do what I had asked nor what he promised. He instead went out partying, and got his friend to drive my car, leaving my stranded. I did not give permission to his friend to drive my car and I was counting on my colleague to pick me and my gear up.
• Their Perspective: If I go out with a few friends after work and have a few drinks. I will make sure to make arrangements to get Adam's car home. Adam doesn't want to leave his car overnight, so as long as his car is home he will be happy.