I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.
Today’s tip is to listen wholeheartedly to others without judging them.
I was talking with a friend recently and they were struggling with their workload. They complained about the amount of work, and the dates things were due, while also noting they were struggling to focus and get things done.
In the past, I’d have suggested something, or maybe questioned how they were planning on doing the work. I might even try to get them to see where they weren’t taking advantage of the time they did have and resources available.
In other words, I would have been my typical Type-A, let me solve your problems person.
Instead, I did none of that. I sympathized, empathized, and wished them luck, while asking if I could help.
Sometimes I think venting and talking aloud helps someone sort through their thoughts, and my wife has helped me to learn how to be a sounding board without offering my own input.