I am especially sensitive to employee layoffs, having had first hand experience as a manager and employee. I know the pain that laying off employees causes, the uncertainty it creates and the disruption to confidence and normalcy that it brings about. And unless you have ever been an employee laid off, you have no idea what it feels like. Empathy is only an attempt at understanding.

I heard a story the other day that reminded me of the need for leaders and people in general to seek to understand first before getting involved. In my years of observing leaders I have seen many of them jump to conclusions and get involved in issues way too soon.

Whether it is in the classroom, the locker room, or the board room, you develop teamwork when you choose to appreciate diversity and the creative contributions it offers.

Misunderstanding the intentions of team members is one of the biggest handicaps of teams. When intentions are not understood including that of the leader, team members won’t be as willing to share feelings, raise ideas and talk about concerns.