Yes, that's a great question, isn't it? This one is from a class I taught on assertive communication last week. I also find this is a recurring theme with the team leaders I work with in leadership coaching sessions. And that's where the quote from Adam Grant's most recent podcast (shared here yesterday) with Brene Brown and Simon Sinek applies perfectly: 'there's a big difference between martyrdom and being a servant leader.' And that's when being assertive is a must! Because in order for us to be able to extend empathy onto others, we need to be empathetic towards ourselves first. That's a big part of being an emotionally intelligent leader - work with and on yourself, first! So yeah, as I go out for my daily walks (had to work on my own self-discipline for this), I cross several bridges. And, as you know it happens when we relax and seem to be thinking of nothing, creativity kicks in. For me, that meant I just had to do an All Personal On-the-Go video on how we can change perspectives when the thought of being assertive is uncomfortable (because we think we are not servant leaders, but selfish leaders if we're assertive). I shared my thoughts on why there's a strong connection between a bridge and being assertive (and what that has to do with empathy). What are your thoughts on being assertive (and empathetic at the same time)? As always, Lead Different.