Take it from Teddy

The truest wisdom has a way of sounding obvious in hindsight.

When the Rough Rider uttered those words a century ago, he couldn’t have imagined our current state of affairs: “hot takes” to prove our professional authority and snapshots to display our social prowess.

The harsh reality? Networkers will nod along all day long as opinions are preached and knowledge is flaunted. But those nods mask an inner disengagement. Connection is a different animal.

Roosevelt’s hot take: connection requires care. And deep care requires real empathy. (For the record, Floridians, you’re better at this than most.)

Next time you’re tempted to prove your worth with words, take the time to be curious about your counterpart instead.

Chances are, you’ll both be better off as a result.