Why Understanding Beats Winning

Here’s a quote, resource, and affirmation to help power you through the rest of the week. If you enjoy today’s email, pass it along to a friend.

Quote

“Remember that other people may be totally wrong. But they don’t think so. Don’t condemn them. Any fool can do that. Try to understand them. Only wise, tolerant, exceptional people even try to do that.” — Dale Carnegie

Resource - Pause for Empathy

Classrooms (and meetings) are full of moments when frustration sparks. A student talks back. A colleague resists change. Parents push back on a decision. Our first instinct is often to correct, defend, or judge.

Instead, try an empathy pause:

• Ask yourself: “Why might this person see things this way?”
• Shift from winning the argument to seeking understanding.
• Use a simple phrase: “Help me understand your perspective.”

This doesn’t mean you have to agree—it means you’re modeling the kind of patience and tolerance that creates trust. In teaching, as in life, we don’t always need to be right; sometimes we just need to be curious about why others think they are.

Beyond the Classroom: The empathy pause works at home and in the community, too. Family conflicts, neighbor disputes, even online disagreements soften when we choose curiosity over condemnation.

Now Repeat…

I choose patience over judgment. Understanding makes me stronger than argument ever could.

Journal Prompt

Where in your teaching—or life—could an empathy pause replace frustration with understanding this week?

You’re Not Alone

Teaching is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Inside The Strong Teacher’s Lounge, we’re practicing strategies like these together—finding calm, building resilience, and supporting each other. Early members still get lifetime free access. Join the Lounge ➝