Leading with Empathy

At our recent senior leadership meeting, I was not only struck by how passionate every leader was about their business but how, in large, geographically dispersed organizations, we can easily overlook their perspective and the value they bring to the organization.

I left the meeting not only appreciating our team and their passion but also reflecting on empathy. Empathy refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. True deServing leaders understand how empathy fosters better relationships and increased trust. When leaders understand the emotions and perspectives of their team members, they are better equipped to address their needs, resolve conflicts, and provide support. As a result, team members feel valued and heard, which helps to build trust and strengthens the relationships between leaders and followers.

So how can deserving leaders strengthen their empathy? Through these steps:

Active listening: Give your full attention to others and try understanding their perspectives, feelings, and needs.

Appreciate another point of view: Consciously understand the experiences and emotions of those around you rather than just your own.

Show genuine interest in others: Ask questions, express interest in others' lives and work, and try to get to know them personally.

Use appropriate body language: Be mindful of your nonverbal cues and use them to convey empathy and understanding.

Offer support and encouragement: Empathy involves providing support and encouragement to your employees and colleagues and being there for them in times of need.

Reflect: Take time to reflect on your own experiences and emotions and try understanding how these might influence your interactions with others.

Develop emotional intelligence: Most of my blogs talk about emotional intelligence being a crucial skill for any deserving leader. This involves being self-aware, managing your own emotions, and recognizing and understanding the emotions of others.

Seek feedback: Consistently solicit feedback from others on their empathy and interpersonal skills and be open to constructive criticism.

These steps will help deserving leaders be more empathetic and build stronger relationships with those around them, ultimately leading to improved teamwork, increased trust, and better business outcomes.