Leaders can move with speed, and repair things, too

As a leader, you'll always hear criticism, but looking for the kernel of truth in the comments, considering where it comes from and leaving room for dialogue is key to turning the words into a learning and growing experience, say leaders. "Acknowledge the criticism, make the appropriate changes if you deem them necessary and, if not, make sure you are transparent about how you are handling the criticism -- but the vision never changes," says Jeff Hopmayer with Brindiamo Group LLC.

Put it into practice: When someone offers their critique, resist getting defensive, says Gail Gottehrer with Del Monte Fresh Produce Company, Inc., and instead embrace constructive criticism. "Feedback from supportive people with different perspectives will enhance your vision and alert you to blind spots so you can make your vision bulletproof."

If there are tasks on your to-do list that never seem to get crossed off, you may need to schedule a "Scary Hour" on your calendar to clear out the backlog of tasks and chores you've been avoiding. "By containing it to an hour, you make it feel less difficult or insurmountable. It no longer feels like an endless slog when you have a clear endpoint," says Alexis Haselberger, a time management and productivity coach.

A "blood moon" total lunar eclipse will take place on the night of March 13-14, and those living in North and South America, Western Europe, far Western Africa and New Zealand will be able to see it, weather permitting, around 2:30 a.m. EDT. Those living in central Africa and eastern Europe to eastern Asia, Japan, Indonesia and Australia will get a chance to see a total lunar eclipse on Sept. 7.

Leaders who show empathy for their team members by taking time to connect with them, understand their challenges and support them will find that they'll build a loyal, trustworthy and engaged team.

As Frances Frei and Anne Morriss write, "[P]eople don't trust leaders who seem to be primarily in it for themselves." But, as Art Petty points out, if you take time to see your team's perspective, acknowledge it and share your concerns, then they will "move mountains and accomplish amazing things."

In addition to building trust and engagement, leading with empathy also results in better communication with and among your team and gives them the tools they need to resolve conflicts. Empathy also helps in decision-making because when you're open to hearing the perspective of your team members, you can make more informed decisions.

You can tell if you're getting the empathy part right by listening to the feedback you receive from your team. Take time to discern the helpful input from the harmful, but always look for the kernel of truth within the words, says Vanessa Nornberg with Metal Mafia. "Even a criticism that feels out of alignment can provoke thought and spur evolution and growth, so it's always worth hearing."

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