We interact with people every day. In meetings. In conversations. In passing moments.
We form impressions quickly. We interpret behaviour even faster. And are always ready to pass a judgement.
But most of what shapes a person is not immediately visible.
Had a week filled with reflections and here are a few words that stayed with me this week.
“Walk in someone else’s shoes” (English phrase)
To try and understand another person’s experience before judging their actions.
It sounds simple. But it requires intention.
To pause. To consider context. To look beyond your own perspective.
Insight: Understanding begins when we step outside our own viewpoint.
Sonder (modern term)
The realization that every person you see is living a life as complex and vivid as your own.
Everyone is navigating something you can’t see — deadlines, doubts, decisions, relationships.
A whole world, hidden in plain sight.
Insight: People aren’t difficult. They’re carrying more than we know.
Compassion
The ability to recognise someone else’s struggle and respond with care instead of judgment.
Not just understanding, but choosing how you respond to that understanding.
In communication, this shifts everything. It softens tone. It creates space. It changes outcomes.
Insight: Understanding matters. But how we respond to it matters more.
A thought to carry into the weekend
Not every reaction needs to be immediate.
Sometimes, the most meaningful shift is choosing understanding before judgment.
—
Which of these stayed with you?
- Namrta
Make an Impact. Speak, Lead, Inspire
Judging is very fast and easy as it's done with sight - our very first action organ. Since we can't always walk in someone's shoes, just realizing that every person is living a life with all the ups and downs which we can't see or fathom in one glace, we should try to be more understanding and compassionate towards everyone. If we all strive for this, there would be more understanding between partners, friends, colleagues and even adversaries.