Welcome back!

I hope this week finds you feeling empowered and intentional in your daily interactions.

Last week’s Thought for the Week was “Success Deserves a Spotlight” and why it can be difficult to talk about our successes and how embracing our achievements can build confidence and inspire others. If you missed it, you can catch up here

This week, I want to dive into a topic that many of us struggle with, but which is essential for our well-being: understanding and communicating boundaries. Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, boundaries are crucial for protecting your time, energy, and mental health. Yet, so often, we hesitate to set them, or when we do, we struggle to communicate them effectively.

Why are boundaries so important?

Boundaries are like invisible lines that define what we are comfortable with, what we are willing to accept, and where our limits lie. They are essential for maintaining healthy, respectful relationships and ensuring that we don’t become overwhelmed or resentful. By setting clear boundaries, we are not only protecting ourselves but also giving others clarity on what we need to feel respected and supported.

Without clear boundaries, we can fall into patterns of overcommitting, people-pleasing, or allowing others to take more than we can give. This often leads to burnout, frustration, and strained relationships.

Why is it so hard to set boundaries?

Many of us struggle with setting and communicating boundaries for a number of reasons:

• Fear of conflict – We worry that setting boundaries will upset others or create tension.
• Guilt – We may feel guilty about saying no, especially if we’re used to putting others’ needs ahead of our own.
• Desire to be liked – We often fear that saying no or setting limits will make us seem difficult or unkind.
• Uncertainty – Sometimes, we simply aren’t sure what our boundaries are until they’ve been crossed.

However, setting boundaries is not about being selfish. It’s about recognising your needs and ensuring that you have the time and energy to be your best self for others as well as for yourself.

How can we set and communicate healthy boundaries?

Here are some tips to help you start setting and communicating boundaries more confidently:

Reflect on your needs – Take time to consider where you feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin. This can help you identify areas where boundaries are necessary.

Be clear and direct – When communicating a boundary, clarity is key. Avoid vague language, and instead, be specific about what you need. For example, “I need some uninterrupted time to focus, so I’ll be turning off my phone for the next two hours.”

Practice saying No – It’s okay to say no. You don’t need to over-explain or apologise excessively. A simple, polite refusal is enough.

Hold yourself accountable – Once you’ve set a boundary, stick to it. Consistency reinforces that your limits are important.

Recognise it’s a form of self-respect – Establishing boundaries is a powerful way of showing respect for yourself, your time, and your well-being.

Why boundaries strengthen relationships

While it may feel uncomfortable at first, setting boundaries actually strengthens relationships. When you clearly communicate your needs, you build mutual respect and trust. Others are more likely to honour your limits when they know what they are, and you’ll feel more at ease knowing you’ve created space for yourself.

Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out – it’s about allowing yourself the space to thrive authentically in your relationships.

“The only people who get upset about you setting boundaries are the ones who were benefiting from you having none.“

– Unknown –

What are your thoughts? How do you handle setting and communicating boundaries in your own life? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips that have worked for you!

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s thought and wishing you a week filled with clarity, balance, and the confidence to protect your time and energy.

With warmest wishes,

Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!

P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights with me!

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with me here

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Welcome back! I hope you’re keeping well and thriving!

Last week’s Thought for the Week was “The Role of Assertiveness in Conflict Resolution” and how assertiveness bridges the gap between empathy and standing up for one’s own needs, allowing for respectful, clear, and balanced communication in difficult situations.

If you missed it, you can catch up here

This week, I want to explore something many of us struggle with: Why do we find it difficult to talk about our successes and sing our own praises?

Whether it’s in the workplace, with friends, or even in our personal reflections, many of us shy away from acknowledging our achievements.

Why is that? Here are a few reasons why we hold back:

1. Fear of Seeming Arrogant: Many people worry that talking about their successes will come across as boasting. Society often conditions us to be humble, but this can lead to undervaluing our accomplishments. Assertiveness and pride in our work can be healthy when balanced with humility.

2. Imposter Syndrome: A common phenomenon where even high achievers feel like frauds, imposter syndrome makes it difficult to own our achievements. We may feel like we don’t deserve success or that we were “just lucky.”

3. Cultural Norms: In some cultures, discussing personal successes is seen as inappropriate or self-centred, making it even harder to share wins. These norms shape how comfortable we feel in highlighting our strengths.

4. Fear of Judgment: We often worry about how others will perceive us. Will they think we’re full of ourselves? Will they downplay our achievements? These fears can cause us to stay silent, even when we deserve to celebrate.

However, being able to talk about our successes is an important part of professional and personal growth. Sharing our wins isn’t just about gaining recognition – it’s about building confidence, inspiring others, and opening doors for new opportunities.

How Can We Get Better at This?

1. Reframe Success as Learning: View your achievements not as something to boast about but as examples of learning, progress, and growth.
2. Start Small: Practice discussing your accomplishments with a trusted friend or colleague to build confidence.
3. Celebrate Wins as a Team: When talking about personal success, frame it in the context of teamwork or collaboration to take the focus off “self-praise.”

By talking more openly about our successes, we not only acknowledge our hard work but also inspire and empower those around us to do the same.

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your experiences around this topic!

 

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.“

– Oprah Winfrey –

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s thought and I wish you a week filled with recognition of your successes!

With warmest wishes,

Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training– Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with me here

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Welcome back! I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far.

Last week’s Thought for the Week was “Wisdom in the Face of Conflict” and how we can approach challenging interactions in a way that fosters understanding and collaboration rather than defensiveness and division. If you missed it, you can catch up here

This week, I’d like to explore the role of assertiveness in conflict resolution

Assertiveness is the key to expressing our own needs and opinions clearly, without being aggressive or passive and helps us to manage and resolve conflicts effectively. This is because assertiveness bridges the gap between empathy and standing up for one’s own needs, allowing for respectful, clear, and balanced communication in difficult situations.

In conflict situations, assertiveness helps to maintain respect and balance, ensuring that both sides are heard and understood.

I have noticed that “Assertiveness” is often mistaken for Aggression, for instance if you hear someone say: “They were very assertive with me”!

 In this case they probably experienced that person as being more aggressive than assertive because Assertiveness is the quality of being self-assured and confident without being aggressive.

When we are being assertive, we are expressing ourselves directly and calmly and we are owning what we are saying without blaming others or putting them down.

 

“True assertiveness is being aware of the feelings of others while knowing and expressing your own needs clearly“

– Cynthia E. Mazzaferro –

[Inspirational author, transformational speaker in the field of self-development and personal responsibility and life-coach]

 

If you are in Guernsey, we have Thrive Mini Courses coming up soon; “Conflict Resolution Parts 1 and 2” on 01 and 02 October. See more here

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s thought and I wish you a week filled with meaningful connections!

With warmest wishes,

Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!

P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights with me!

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with me here

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Welcome back! I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far.

This week let’s delve into a topic that we all encounter sooner or later: navigating difficult conversations.

Whether in the workplace or in our personal lives, conflicts are inevitable. They can arise from differences in opinion, misunderstandings, or even from the simple fact that we’re all unique individuals with our own perspectives. However, it’s not the presence of conflict that defines our relationships, but rather how we choose to handle it.

So, how can we approach these challenging interactions in a way that fosters understanding and collaboration rather than defensiveness and division?

Here are three powerful strategies to consider:

1. Mindset Shift: Before entering a difficult conversation, it’s essential to approach it with the right mindset. Instead of seeing the conversation as a confrontation, view it as an opportunity to understand the other person’s perspective and to work together towards a solution. This shift can reduce defensiveness on both sides and open the door to a more productive dialogue.

2. Actively Listen: In the heat of a difficult conversation, it’s easy to focus on what you want to say next rather than truly listening to the other person. Active listening involves not just hearing the words but also understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. This practice can help you respond more empathetically and effectively, turning potential conflict into collaboration.

3. Focus on Common Goals: During a difficult conversation, it’s crucial to remember what you and the other person ultimately want to achieve. By focusing on common goals rather than on the points of disagreement, you can guide the conversation towards a resolution that benefits everyone involved.

When approached with care and empathy, difficult conversations can become opportunities for growth, deeper connection, and stronger relationships.

 

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means“

– Ronald Reagan –

 

In Guernsey, we have a series of mini courses on topics around communication and leadership, which of course are closely interlinked. On 1^st and 2^nd October from 9am to 11am each day, we have Conflict Resolution Parts 1 and 2. This is a popular topic, and spaces are limited to 12 each time (there will be a waitlist though for the next series). ? See Thrive Mini Courses HERE

(These tailored mini courses are designed for busy people who want to see real, actionable improvements. They are interactive are packed with strategies and practical tools that you can start using immediately to transform professional interactions).

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s thought. I hope these strategies help you turn your next challenging conversation into a stepping stone for positive change.

Wishing you a week filled with constructive dialogues and meaningful connections!

With warmest wishes,

Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with me here

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Welcome back and I hope you’re keeping well and thriving.

Last week’s Thought was “The Power of What Isn’t Said” and how, by becoming more aware of and intentional with our nonverbal cues, we can enhance our ability to connect with others on a deeper, more authentic level. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

I hope that you have had a great summer and enjoyed some quality time out. After taking some much-needed time off over the holidays, I had the opportunity to reflect on my work and the path ahead. Holidays give us that precious space to pause, step back, and truly take stock of where we are and where we’re heading don’t they!

One thing that has been on my mind is the consistent effort I put into these weekly “Thoughts for the Week.” I send them out with the intention of offering something meaningful, and I hope they’ve brought value to you. It’s always a pleasure when I do hear back – whether through a quick email or during conversations with clients. Those moments of connection remind me that these reflections are landing with people, which I deeply appreciate.

That said, I also recognise that I’d love to hear more. Not because I doubt the value of what I’m sharing, but because I want to make sure I’m offering insights that truly resonate with you. While I strive to be thoughtful and intentional, I’d love to better understand what you find most valuable.

By the way, I had a small glitch at the end of my holiday – my website went down after I migrated it to a new host, and instead of relaxing, I spent the last day troubleshooting. It was a reminder that sometimes, despite our best efforts, things can take unexpected turns. And that’s okay. What matters is how we navigate these moments, both in work and life.

So, going forward, I’d love to hear from you:

• What resonates with you in these reflections?
• Are there topics or insights you’d like me to explore further?
• How can I continue to bring value to you through these weekly thoughts?

Your feedback means a lot to me, and it helps ensure that what I share is both relevant and meaningful to your journey. Thank you for taking the time to connect – I truly appreciate it.

 

“Reflection is one of the most underused yet powerful tools for success.”
– Richard Carlson –

[Author, psychotherapist, and motivational speaker best known for his bestselling book “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff … and It’s All Small Stuff”, published in 1997]

 

With warmest wishes,

Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!

P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with me here

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Welcome back! I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far.

Last week’s Thought was “Talking with or Talking at?” and how talking at someone often feels like a monologue – a one-sided conversation where the other person’s input is neither sought nor valued. This can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and disengagement. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

*|FNAME|*, have you ever walked into a room and sensed tension without anyone saying a word? Or perhaps you’ve had a conversation where the other person’s body language told you more than their actual words? That’s the power of nonverbal communication at play.

Why is this important?

Often, what we don’t say can speak louder than our words. Our body language, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and even the tone of our voice can significantly influence how our messages are received and interpreted by others. In fact, studies suggest that the majority of our communication is nonverbal (93% in fact) – meaning that the unspoken aspects of our interactions carry immense weight.

Here are three ways to harness the power of nonverbal communication:

1. Be Mindful of Your Body Language: The way we hold ourselves, our posture, and even our hand movements can convey confidence, openness, and attentiveness – or the opposite. Being aware of your body language can help you ensure that it aligns with the message you want to convey. For instance, if our body language is open, we are more approachable.

2. Pay Attention to Facial Expressions: Our faces often express what we’re feeling before we even have a chance to speak. A genuine smile can create a sense of warmth and approachability, while a furrowed brow might signal confusion or concern. By becoming more aware of your facial expressions, you can better communicate your emotions and intentions.

3. Tone of Voice Matters: The tone, pitch, and pace of your voice can drastically alter the meaning of your words. A calm, steady tone can convey confidence and assurance, while a rushed or high-pitched tone might suggest anxiety or uncertainty. Paying attention to how you say things can help reinforce the message you want to send.

By becoming more aware of and intentional with our nonverbal cues, we can enhance our ability to connect with others on a deeper, more authentic level.

Nonverbal communication isn’t just about complementing our words; it’s about ensuring that our entire presence supports and strengthens the message we want to convey.

I invite you to take some time this week to observe your nonverbal communication habits and see how they align with your intentions. You might be surprised at what you discover!

“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.“

– Ralph Waldo Emerson – –

Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploring the nuances of communication. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences as you experiment with these insights.

Wishing you a week full of meaningful, unspoken connections!

With warmest wishes,

Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!

P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with me here

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Welcome back! Last week’s Thought was “Why Empathy is Your Superpower” because it empowers us to connect with others on a profound level. When we practice empathy, we tap into an extraordinary ability to understand and feel what others are experiencing and bridge gaps and resolve conflicts. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

In our fast-paced world, communication is everywhere – emails, meetings, texts, and calls. But how often do we stop to consider how we’re communicating? Are we genuinely engaging in meaningful exchanges, or are we just delivering our message?

This week let’s focus on the concept of talking with, people, not at people. Can you relate to this? How does it feel when you experience someone talking at you rather than with you?

I’ve noticed this happening more frequently as people become increasingly busy and distracted. While we can empathise with someone who is under pressure in a given moment, what happens when this behaviour isn’t just a one-off and becomes ongoing? How does it affect the relationship?

When we speak with someone, we’re not just sharing our thoughts. Even if this is a quick chat that takes less than a minute, we’re opening a dialogue, inviting the other person to share theirs too. It’s a two-way street where both parties feel heard, valued, and respected.

On the other hand, talking at someone often feels like a monologue – a one-sided conversation where the other person’s input is neither sought nor valued. This can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and even disengagement.

Why does it matter?

When we talk with someone, we engage in a dialogue that values the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of both parties. This type of communication fosters connection, understanding, and collaboration. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels heard and respected.

In contrast, talking at someone is often one-sided. It’s a way of communicating where the speaker’s primary goal is to deliver a message, often without considering how it’s received or whether the other person has had a chance to contribute. This can leave the listener feeling disconnected, undervalued, or frustrated.

 

“There’s a difference between giving directions and giving direction. One is talking at people the other is talking with them.“

-Simon Sinek-

 

This week, I invite you to reflect on your interactions:

• Are you listening as much as you’re speaking?
• Are you asking open-ended questions that invite conversation?
• Are you considering the other person’s perspective?
• Are you noticing when others are talking at you? How does that feel?

Let’s strive to make our communication more inclusive, empathetic and two-way. After all, the most successful individuals and teams are those who understand the power of listening and connecting.

Thank you for taking the time to read these weekly thoughts and I look forward to hearing what you think.

With warmest wishes,

Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights! If you like these posts, why not join my list for more tips? Join here

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with me here

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Welcome back and I hope you are well and thriving this week! Last week’s Thought was “A Genius’s Approach to Learning” where we explored how everyone learns differently, and how these varied learning styles shape our perceptions and perspectives. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

This week, I’d like to delve deeper into an essential element of human connection: empathy.

Empathy isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a superpower that empowers us to connect with others on a profound level. When we practice empathy, we tap into an extraordinary ability to understand and feel what others are experiencing. This superpower enables us to bridge gaps, resolve conflicts, and build relationships that are rooted in genuine understanding and trust.

Understanding Empathy

Empathy is often described as the ability to walk in someone else’s shoes, to understand and share the feelings of another person. It’s more than just recognising emotions; it’s about truly feeling with others, seeing the world from their perspective, and responding with compassion.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the power of empathy in our daily interactions. Yet, empathy is a cornerstone of effective communication. It allows us to connect on a deeper level, fostering trust and mutual respect. 

The Power of Empathy in Communication

When we communicate with empathy, we’re not just exchanging words – we’re building relationships. Empathy helps us to:

• Listen Actively: By genuinely listening to others, we show that we value their feelings and perspectives. This active listening forms the foundation of meaningful dialogue.
• Understand Beyond Words: Sometimes, what isn’t said is as important as what is. Empathy enables us to read between the lines, to pick up on emotional cues and unspoken concerns.
• Respond Thoughtfully: Empathy guides us in responding in a way that acknowledges others’ emotions, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.

Empathy in Action

Consider a time when someone truly empathised with you. Perhaps they offered a kind word when you were feeling down or simply listened without judgment. How did that make you feel? Now, imagine the impact if we all made a conscious effort to be more empathetic in our interactions.

In professional settings, empathy can transform workplace culture. Leaders who practice empathy can create a more inclusive and collaborative environment. In personal relationships, empathy strengthens bonds, making our connections with loved ones more resilient.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Empathy

Empathy is a skill that can be developed and strengthened with practice. Here are some ways to cultivate empathy in your daily life:

• Be Present: Pay full attention to the person you’re communicating with. Avoid distractions and focus on understanding their perspective.
• Ask Questions: Show interest in others by asking open-ended questions that encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. Just one or two questions is enough and then listen to what they have to say.
• Practice Active Listening: Reflect on what the other person is saying and respond with empathy, using phrases like or “That must be difficult for you.” Avoid “I understand how you feel” because do you really know how they feel?
• Put Yourself in Their Shoes: Imagine how you would feel in the other person’s situation. This helps to deepen your understanding of their emotions and if appropriate, ask them what they most need right now.
• Show Compassion: Small acts of kindness, like offering support or simply being there for someone, can make a significant difference.

“The ability to place oneself in the shoes of another is the most valuable gift of human nature.

Empathy is the superpower that makes us truly human.”

– Jean-Jacques Rousseau –

[Swiss-French political and moral philosopher of the Enlightenment Era – well known for his work “On the Social Contract”, which questioned the purpose and place of government and its responsibility for its citizens.]

This week, I invite you to unleash your superpower of empathy in every conversation. Listen more deeply, understand more fully, and respond with compassion. You’ll discover that with empathy, you have the power to transform not just your interactions but also the lives of those around you. Embrace this power and watch as your connections grow richer and more meaningful.

Thank you for taking the time to read these weekly thoughts and I look forward to hearing what you think about this? If you like these blogs, why not join my list for more tips? Join HERE

With warmest wishes,

Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with me here

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Welcome back! Last week’s Thought was “How Perspective Changes Everything” when we explored the importance of perspective in our interactions, understanding that differing viewpoints can coexist and enrich our conversations. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

What did you notice about perspectives in the conversations going on around you this week? How did your own perspective change?

This week, I want to delve into something equally important: How we learn and how our unique learning styles shape our perceptions and perspectives.

Benjamin Franklin was polymath learner: a leading writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher who altered the course of American history.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to assume that everyone processes information and learns in the same way we do. However, the truth is that we all have unique learning styles that shape how we perceive the world and communicate with others. Recognising these differences is crucial to building stronger, more empathetic connections.

Some of us are visual learners, relying on images and diagrams to make sense of information. Others might be auditory learners, needing to hear concepts explained to truly understand them. There are also kinaesthetic learners, who need to engage in hands-on activities to grasp new ideas fully. Some people grasp concepts better through reading, while others need to hear information to absorb it fully. These differences in learning styles aren’t just about preference; they profoundly influence how we see the world.

These differences in learning styles are not just academic – they influence how we interpret and interact with the world. A visual learner might focus on the body language of a speaker, while an auditory learner might be more attuned to the tone of voice. Each learning style offers a different lens through which we perceive our experiences.

This diversity in perception is what makes human interaction so rich and complex. It also means that misunderstandings can occur when we forget that others might see things differently based on their learning preferences.

By embracing the variety of learning styles, we can enhance our communication and deepen our relationships. When we take the time to understand how others learn and perceive the world, we move closer to a place of mutual respect and empathy.

Consider this: if you’re someone who learns best through visual cues, your perception of a situation might be deeply influenced by what you see.

Meanwhile, someone who learns through auditory means might focus on what they hear, leading to a completely different interpretation of the same event.

There are 7 general learning styles in all: Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic, Theorist, Pragmatist, Reflector and Activist.

My own preferred style is Pragmatist, and Kinaesthetic and I prefer to be shown how to do something and learn through experience and then I get on with it!

Pragmatists are practical learners who focus on applying knowledge and skills to real-world situations. They prefer learning that is relevant and immediately applicable.

Kinaesthetic learners learn best through physical activities and hands-on experiences. They prefer to touch, feel, and do, rather than simply listen or watch.

On my Leadership programmes, we delve deeper into all of these. This variety in learning styles is a beautiful reminder that there isn’t just one way to experience or understand the world. Our perceptions, shaped by experiences and how we learn, are as unique as our fingerprints. And just as our learning styles differ, so do our perspectives and interpretations of the world around us.

When we acknowledge that each person learns and perceives differently, we open the door to greater empathy and understanding. We realise that what might seem obvious to us might not be as clear to someone else – and that’s okay. Again, it’s not about who’s right or wrong; it’s about appreciating that our differences make our collective experience richer.

So, this week, I encourage you to consider the learning styles of those around you. Whether at work, at home, or in your community, pay attention to how others absorb and process information. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your communication but also deepen your connections.

Let’s look at an example: Take Benjamin Franklin, for example, who was a pragmatic and kinaesthetic learner who thrived on practical, hands-on experience and learning by doing. He also demonstrated strong theorist traits, focusing on the underlying principles of problems and developing systematic approaches to improvement. His wide-ranging achievements suggest that he integrated various learning styles, making him a highly adaptive and versatile learner.

 

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

–Benjamin Franklin-

 

Thank you for being part of this journey of exploration and growth. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic!

With warmest wishes,

Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with here

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Welcome back and I hope this email finds you well and thriving. Last week’s Thought was “Connecting Cultures and Decades” and how, by actively listening, seeking diverse perspectives, and practicing cultural sensitivity, we can build bridges of empathy that transcend cultural and generational divides.

If you missed it, you can catch up here.

This week I’d like to delve deeper into a concept that is essential to both our personal growth and our ability to communicate effectively – perspective.

I shared before how I was a Duty Manager in the lost baggage department at British Airways. In my role there, I had to manage negative customer feedback all the time, some of which could be quite critical. Early in my career, I sometimes took negative feedback personally, assuming the customers were simply being difficult or unreasonable.

However, over time, I found myself empathising more with the traveller who had just lost their bag. I realised that when we show genuine understanding of their situation, clearly explain the steps we’ll take to locate their bag and ensure they have what they most need until it’s found and delivered to their home or hotel, it goes a long way in reassuring them.

By approaching their comments with an open mind and seeking to understand the underlying concerns, I was able to implement changes that not only improved our offerings but also strengthened our customer relationships. This experience taught me that what may seem like criticism is often a valuable perspective that can drive positive change.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our way of seeing things is the only way. We can hold our opinions close, convinced that our perspective is the correct one, and sometimes struggle to understand how others could see things differently. Yet, perspective is a wonderful and powerful thing:

• It shapes how we see the world, how we interpret experiences, and how we interact with others.
• It’s what makes communication so rich and, at times, challenging.
• It influences how we interpret words, how we respond to situations, and even how we perceive conflict.

“Two men looked out from prison bars, one saw the mud, the other saw stars.”

-Dale Carnegie-

[Writer, lecturer, and the developer of courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking, and interpersonal skills].

When two people come together, each with their own perspective, it’s like viewing a multifaceted gem – each angle reveals something different, yet each view is part of the whole truth. The beauty of perspective lies in its diversity; each of us views life through a unique lens, influenced by our backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences. And yet, while our perspectives may differ, they are all valid.

Yes, these differing perspectives can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. We might find ourselves thinking; “How can they not see that I’m right?”

But here’s the key: what if both perspectives are right? What if, instead of a single truth, there are multiple truths, each reflecting a different aspect of the situation?

Perception becomes particularly significant when we consider communication.

When we recognise that multiple truths can coexist, we open ourselves to richer, more meaningful conversations. We begin to see disagreements not as battles to be won, but as opportunities to learn and grow. This shift in mindset can transform our communication, making it more empathetic, open, and constructive.

This week, I invite you to consider this and embrace the wonder of perspective in your interactions. Next time you find yourself in a disagreement or facing a differing opinion, pause and consider the possibility that both sides could be right. By doing so, you’ll not only improve your communication but also deepen your understanding of the world around you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic.

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses”

-Alphonse Karr-

[French journalist, novelist, and critic, known for his sharp wit, satirical writing style, and keen observations of society].

With warmest wishes,

Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!

P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!

P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with here

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