The Communication Code

5Why You Should Care

“The simple act of caring is heroic.”

—Edward Albert

Caring is a misunderstood concept for many. Some invariably think that collaborating to improve things or solving presented problems is caring for the other person. These people, of which we are a part, have a harder time knowing how to care—it is our unconscious incompetence.

It's not like we don't care; it is more that we don't know how to care.

It gets even more difficult in the work environment when customers, bosses, and tasks can overwhelm the human trait of caring for other people. When a spouse calls with a need or a child reaches out, many often don't know how to show care when they feel work pressure. It becomes challenging to handle when a co‐worker shares some pains, or you can tell an employee is dealing with a problem.

Care is being concerned for someone and desiring to do something for their good.

When someone shares their communication code word, such as: “I'm struggling right now—I just need a safe space to process out loud and share my frustrations,” that is a request from them for others to show care.

People want to be cared for because it fulfills a basic human need for social connection, love, and support. We are social creatures who thrive on positive interactions with others, and feeling cared for is one way to fulfill this need. Others don't need you to solve anything; they need to know you're prepared to be with them.

Inside the Communication Code, care is fundamental. ...