#ELBlog #137: Thought Bubbles Over Our Heads

There’s a very powerful video that I use in my life both as Principal, and as well as in my workshops. This video is called Under The Surface, Empathy Film. It’s very quick, just under four minutes, and is very well done.

Before Covid, during Covid, and after Covid, we need to be mindful of others, their feelings, and the situations going on in their lives. Lead with empathy. Some people are really dialed in on this, and for others it takes a little more effort.

What if every person we meet or come into contact with had little speech bubbles or thought bubbles above their heads? Would this help us be more mindful? To know if someone had just lost a loved one, or if someone is having anxiety over a situation? It sure would! That’s what the point of the video is. While someone might be smiling and looking happy on the outside or under the surface, they very well might have a lot going on on the inside. Additionally, it shows us that kids have bubbles too as well as adults. All people have them. Take four minutes to check out the video here, or click below.

My wife is a guidance counselor and has been very influential in helping me to understand that not everyone shares their feelings as easily as I do. She’s also helped me learn how to see the empathy bubbles easier.

If this is something that you’re looking to improve upon try these few simple steps:

Listen.
Ask.
Go deeper and say things like tell me more, or was there something else you wanted to share?
Follow up.
Smile

Everyone has the speech bubbles above their heads and you don’t need a fancy degree to be able to read it. You just have to be mindful, and willing to listen. People’s cups are certainly filled these days. Leading with empathy is what folks are yearning for and looking for. Keep asking the question how can I help, instead of what do you want?

Keep rolling everyone! Happy Holidays!