#7 of 13 Characteristics of Influence - Accepting & Empathetic

If you have topic ideas for our podcast or want to reach Michelle, send us a text! We'd love to hear from you!#7 - ACCEPTING AND EMPATHETICHaving empathy toward others and respecting their differences is one of the most powerful ways to create influence in your life. Just as we can push people away and create a poor cultural experience when we are offended, we will experience the same result when we judge others or do not accept them for whom they are created to be. Often, we are tempted to judge or criticize another when we don’t understand their perceptions or that they are different than we are.  In each case, we are always jumping to conclusions, assuming or thinking we know what is best for each individual. How often are we guilty of the very same thing? How often do we judge, condemn, assume and criticize others? Just as importantly, what has this approach done for us, for those judged and for our culture around us? Is it making the world a better place? Is it taking us to greatness or making us more influential? I think we all know the answers to these questions.How about road rage? Do you become inflamed when others cut you off and then expect understanding when you accidentally cut someone else off in traffic? Or have you ever made an assumption about something that you had to apologize for later and then when the same is done to you, you hold a grudge against that person?Accepting others differences without judgement is a trademark of someone influential. Others will feel safe around him or her. They can trust that their feelings, ideas or concerns will be respected and valued. If they do not hear you judging and criticizing others in your conversations, they can feel confident knowing that you truly are a person of integrity and honor. In turn, this creates an admiration and respect that is rare and powerful. Having empathy toward others and respecting their differences is one of the most powerful ways to create influence in your life. Excerpts and insights* from Chapter 10 of "Your Journey to Greatness Through Routine: A Guide to Creating a Success Routine" Book Contains:7 Actual Case Studies8 Downloadable ToolsAssessment Questions at the End of Each ChapterThe Brain Science Behind HabitsRetraining Your Brain Through Cognitive RestructuringHeart Science, Energy and the Law of AttractionPowerful Principles of Influence and GreatnessTips and Tools to Build Your Success Routine*Certain portions have been added to actual book excerpts by the author.  LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE THE BOOK at http://michellesteffes.com/bookSupport the showMichelle L Steffes is a Certified Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Executive Coach and Author of two books: "Reframe & Rewire" (also available on Audible) and "The Machine Inside Me." Discover more and contact her through her website, IPV Consulting.