As Phi Mu sisters, we hold the words of our Creed close to our hearts long after our college years. One of the most timeless lines of the Phi Mu Creed—"To be to others what we would they be to us"—reminds us of the importance of treating others with kindness, empathy, and respect. This golden rule of sisterhood extends beyond our collegiate experience, offering us a guide on how to navigate relationships, lead with compassion, and create meaningful connections throughout alumnae life.
In a world that can often feel fast-paced and disconnected, leading with empathy is more important than ever. Here’s how you can continue to live out this part of the Creed as a Phi Mu alumna and inspire others to do the same.
Practice Active Listening
Empathy starts with truly listening to those around us. Whether you’re catching up with an old Phi Mu sister, mentoring a younger woman in your alumnae chapter, or having a heart-to-heart with a coworker, give the gift of your full attention. Active listening means being present in the moment, asking thoughtful questions, and showing genuine interest in what the other person has to say. When we listen with an open heart, we foster deeper connections and show others that we care.
In alumnae life, this can mean taking time to understand the needs of your chapter, offering support to sisters facing challenges, or simply lending a compassionate ear when someone needs it. By being fully present, you not only strengthen your relationships but also inspire others to do the same.
Offer Support Without Judgment
As Phi Mu sisters, we share a bond that transcends life’s ups and downs. Whether it's in your alumnae chapter or in your professional and personal circles, leading with empathy means offering support without judgment. Life after college can bring new challenges—career struggles, family pressures, or personal growth hurdles—and sometimes, all someone needs is a sister who understands without offering unsolicited advice or criticism.
Embodying the Creed in this way means offering a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on when sisters need it most. Be the person who shows compassion and encourages others to be kind to themselves. After all, we never truly know what someone else is going through, but we can always be there to lift them up.
Build a Welcoming Alumnae Community
One of the best ways to lead with empathy is to ensure that your alumnae chapter is an inclusive and welcoming space for all Phi Mu sisters. Whether a sister just moved to your city or is reconnecting with Phi Mu after many years away, make sure she feels welcomed and valued. This can be as simple as extending a warm invitation to chapter events, checking in on her during difficult times, or being genuinely interested in her story.
Empathy in action means creating an environment where all sisters feel like they belong. It’s about remembering that our shared values of love, honor, and truth are what unite us and that every sister—no matter where she is in life—deserves to feel supported and appreciated.
Extend Empathy to the Workplace
Phi Mu values don’t just apply to our sisterhood—they’re universal principles that can transform the way we lead in our careers and communities. Leading with empathy in the workplace can have a profound impact, from creating a more positive work environment to improving relationships with coworkers and clients.
Being an empathetic leader means taking time to understand the perspectives of others, showing patience, and offering encouragement. Whether you’re managing a team or collaborating with others, when you approach your work with empathy, you foster trust and loyalty. By practicing Phi Mu’s golden rule in the workplace, you can create an environment where others feel respected and valued, ultimately leading to greater success for everyone.
Pay It Forward Through Mentorship
"To be to others what we would they be to us" is a perfect mantra for mentorship. Think about the women who have supported and guided you throughout your life—whether it was a Phi Mu sister, a professor, or a colleague—and how their encouragement helped shape your path. Now, as an alumna, it’s your turn to pay it forward by mentoring younger sisters.
Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal; it can be as simple as offering career advice, helping a younger sister navigate a new city, or being there to listen as she faces new challenges. Leading with empathy as a mentor means meeting her where she is, offering guidance without imposing, and celebrating her successes. This is one of the most fulfilling ways to live out Phi Mu’s Creed after college while making a lasting impact on the next generation of sisters.
Spread Kindness Through Everyday Actions
Sometimes, the most profound expressions of empathy happen in the smallest moments. Whether it’s sending a thoughtful note to a sister, offering a compliment to someone who needs it, or doing something kind for someone without expecting anything in return, these everyday acts of empathy embody the heart of our Creed.
In a busy world, these little gestures are often what people remember most. By consistently treating others with the care and kindness you’d want for yourself, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around you.
The Phi Mu Creed serves as a timeless reminder of the values that guide our sisterhood, and empathy is at the core of living out our Creed in everyday life. As alumnae, we have the unique opportunity to lead by example, showing others how to embody Phi Mu’s golden rule through compassionate actions, meaningful connections, and service to others.
By continuing to "be to others what we would they be to us," we strengthen not only our bonds of sisterhood but also the communities we touch through our leadership and kindness.
Let’s continue to lift each other up, Phi Mu sisters, and inspire others with our empathy and love!