This year at BCS we have focused on our theme were lean in and lead with EMPATHY always embracing our BCS Moral Compass. Each month we have embraced a different habit of empathy, and with February upon us and a new habit, we embrace the the notion that empathetic people can keep their cool. Helping children and ourselves learn ways to manage strong emotions, self regulate, and reduce personal distress to keep their empathy open, avoids what Michele Borba calls the “Empathy Gap” and allows them more likely to empathize and help others. Below, I offer some strategies and a video for our young children from Borba and some strategies and a video from leadership coach John Baldoni for our older students and us adults.
In the below video (2:57), Borba suggests that we help children employ the strategies of a Navy Seal!
- Deep breaths as a relaxation response
- Mental rehearsals in advance of a potential stressful situation
- Chunk it – take it in small parts
- Positive self-talk – “I can do this!”
Not only will these four strategies reduce stress in our children, according to Borba, they will also keep their “empathy open.”
In the next video (2:36), John Baldoni “offers some techniques for leaders who want to keep their cool when the heat’s on.” We need to maintain composure. How? Similar to Borba’s Navy Seal strategies, he suggests we invoke the strategies of battalion commanders.
- Breathe deeply
- Relax your facial muscles
- Keep your voice low
- Try a mindfulness exercise
In the final video (11:19), Katie Couric interviews Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger about his recollection of the final moments before he dramatically landed his U.S. Airways Flight 1549 in N.Y.’s Hudson River. Notice how “Sully” stayed calm and maintained composure. Notice the rehearsal, his breathing , keeping his voice low, the positive self-talk. What else do you notice as he recounts the near tragedy?