We know what we are going through in our lives. We have our own deadlines, personal and personnel issues, calendar invitations, inboxes to manage, and all the other work considerations that require our attention. Most of us are managing way more inputs than we are comfortable navigating on our own. Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes us more productive, that’s true. There are hacks and helps and plenty of benefits to all the ways AI can help us get more done. It also means people expect us to get to them more quickly, address their problems, and make them a priority.
Our clients, prospects, and those trying to track us down expect us to meet them on their terms. We expect the same from others – asking “Why didn’t they reply to me?”, “When are they going to email me?”, or “Did they get my phone call?”. You’ve gotten to this point in this month’s B2Seed and by now have noticed it’s all about us.
Like I said, we know what is going on in our lives – we are fully aware of that personal crisis, the recent death we are processing, the challenging employee, or upset client. What we don’t see is a big – or more likely a bigger deal.
Radical Shift2Change Your Outlook
I’m not blaming you for being focused on yourself – your needs, your struggles, your to do list. It’s natural, and it’s the way of the world in 2026 (and has been for a while).
The point of this month’s thought-starter is to ask you to consider another tweak to your approach.
Over the past few years, I’ve asked myself the same questions I wrote earlier, and this is a concept I have not mastered but am focused on improving. My attempt is to change my perspective and quietly ask myself – “what is going on in other people’s lives?”. We know what is going on in our own world, but frequently miss surveying and perhaps even asking, “How are you? Or what is happening with you these days?”. Those are smart questions to start a meaningful exchange, and you’ll find that switching the focus from yourself to the other person will dramatically improve your communication AND your outlook.
As I’ve repeatedly shared with audiences throughout the early part of 2026, the world can use a little more empathy. Let’s start with this adjustment and see how it transforms your interactions.
This is just one of the many topics covered in my speaking engagements. The idea of empathy is a powerful part of what makes the good servers great in the world of hospitality. It’s a natural skill for many, but there are ways to learn to be more empathetic as well. Let’s talk about how one of these topics could help build momentum with your leadership team or a group of employees.
To schedule a Speaking Engagement – www.brucecbryan.com/speaking