Inspire An Empathic, High-Performing Workplace with This Simple Reframing Technique

When I help my clients troubleshoot frustrating team dynamics, I always return to one simple truth: every person has a backstory.

Imagine how much resentment and frustration could be released from the workplace if you just assume every person is dealing with a difficult situation behind their professional persona and extend kindness accordingly.

Approaching interactions with compassionate curiosity honours the humanity and vulnerability in yourself and others. This creates a better, more empowering environment to address issues rather than harshly judge a person.

When you assume every person has a powerful story of personal struggle, the tone of an interaction automatically shifts to empathy. This has the power to release tension and improve connection, which positively impact communication, problem-solving creativity, and overall performance.

Recognizing your coworker has a backstory is not about making excuses for bad behaviour or subpar performance. It’s about respecting how tough it is for many people to live and thrive in 2025.

Just assume there's a backstory - no details required.

You will never know the truth of another person’s story, but you don't need details to be empathic. There will be always be something in the background, and for better or worse, it will shape the way a person works, solves problems, and connects with others.

Assuming others have a backstory, also enables you to recognize the truth of what you keep hidden behind your public-facing smile. Just as you don't know other people's situation, they don't know the depth of yours.

Perhaps you've experienced similar frustrations I've helped my executive coaching clients overcome such as:

• The struggle you feel juggling conflicting priorities as you build your career, care for family members, heal health challenges, balance your finances, and any other ball you’re trying not to drop.
• The late nights and early mornings you spend catching up on work and the other sacrifices you’ve made to help others at the expense of your own well-being.
• The frustration you feel because you want to grow your career even further, but you’re so exhausted and burned out already, you couldn’t fathom taking on more responsibility.

Add in grief after a true life adversity, feeling helpless as you watch the overwhelming breaking-news cycle, navigating uncertainty with expanding AI technologies, and adjusting to constant changes at the office –no wonder people have shorter fuses lately.

None of these overarching issues are easy and they reflect reality for many professionals. Even so, just like you, they are still showing up and doing the best they can with the skills they have available.

So, how can you test the power of this reframing technique to relieve tension in your own workplace?

The next time you’re in a meeting and frustrated with a team member, client, or colleague, I challenge you to pause. Lean back in your chair and take a moment to be compassionately curious. In your mind, create a sense of wonder about the struggles they may have endured to be in front of you today.

While you’re at it, quickly contemplate the struggles you’re juggling which may be hanging a dark cloud over your approach to the situation.

Notice how bringing humanity to the forefront of your mind shifts the tone of your interaction. In my experience, this silent, super simple, and very fast mental exercise is a quick way to reset a contentious vibe. It creates a better, more empowering foundation from which to find the best solution for the issue being addressed in the meeting.

It’s from this place of compassionate curiosity that you can overcome anything and build resilience that lasts.

To book me for an inspirational keynote speech, training program, or to explore 1:1 coaching options, please visit my website at AllisonGraham.com or send me a DM to set up a quick call.