Use "reciprocal empathy" to heal office political divides

As political debate grows in society, companies are taking different paths, with some banning such communication, like tech company 37Signals and others, like Intuit, creating systems to moderate such discussions. Leaders can handle political conflict in the office by using and teaching their teams how to use "reciprocal empathy," says Mary-Frances Winters, founder and CEO of The Winters Group, which involves approaching others with curiosity and respect and a willingness to learn from each other even if there's a disagreement.

Put it into practice: Political discussions can be very emotional, Winters notes, so leaders need to teach teams how to pause and question why they're upset and ask themselves if they're willing to learn something from the other person and seek common ground. "It's getting to that shared humanity, shared mentality and shared mindset."

Leaders can offer their teams more flexibility in their day -- which research shows they want -- by offering meeting or email-free days, time banking, job sharing and self-established deadlines, writes Julie Winkle Giulioni. "When expectations are clear, employees are free to use their time as they see fit -- just as long as quality work gets done," Winkle Giulioni notes.

Put it into practice: Other ways to give your team some time flexibility include using AI tools to automate some repetitive tasks, allowing more asynchronous communication and even taking time during the day for group volunteer activities, Winkle Giulioni offers. "Carving time out of the regular grind for these sorts of activities can nourish the soul and offer an elevated experience of control."

Singer Taylor Swift sings her entire set while running on a treadmill to mimic how her heart will race during a performance, while fellow performer Beyonce leans into a fearless alter ego to overcome stage fright, which are two ways anyone can prepare for a stressful presentation, writes author Polina Pompliano, who offers tips from other famous performers and politicians. No matter which techniques you use, Pompliano writes that it's imperative to end every talk with a call to action to inspire your audience.

Put it into practice: Engage your audience by addressing them as individuals -- something President Ronald Reagan excelled at -- and use hand gestures strategically, such as the "Clinton thumb," named after President Bill Clinton, who used it to bring home important points, Pompliano writes. "Rather than clenching a fist or pointing a finger, a gesture like this is effective because it evokes a more empathetic feeling in the audience."

Researchers in Australia say the best formula for optimal health involves 8.3 hours for sleep per day, 2.2 hours of light activity and 2.2 hours of moderate to vigorous activity. In principle, researchers recommend reducing sitting time, incorporating more physical activity and standing time wherever possible and ensuring adequate sleep time.

A chemically altered version of a poisonous toad secretion has lowered signs of anxiety and depression in mice, similar to the results of psilocybin and LSD treatment in humans, according to a study in Nature. "We showed that a selective compound -- that almost entirely 'ignores' the psychedelic receptor -- could be an effective treatment option for depression and anxiety," said David Lankri, an author of the study.

I took one trip on my "staycation" last week -- to Dry Falls near Highlands, N.C., to witness the wedding of my spouse's cousin. It was a beautiful setting for a fun wedding on May 4th. The whole wedding party wore "May the 4th be with you" t-shirts to memorialize the couple's "Star Wars" obsession. Congrats to Sherri and Josh!

When I was pastoring a spiritual community, I got a crash course on how best to deliver my weekly messages. I love the advice from Polina Pompliano and the examples she gives on how famous performers and politicians reel in the crowd and keep them interested.

I think I instinctively knew that you have to keep your audience "warm," as Tony Robbins does, by constantly asking them questions and getting them to clap, yell or dance. I always tried to interact with my congregation during celebrations, encouraging them to talk back to me or join me in a rowdy, "Oh, yeah!" (that's what we said instead of "Amen.")

Being vulnerable and precise in your speech are two other great pieces of advice Pompliano offers. The whole article is chock full of great tips on how to make your next presentation riveting!

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