Though considered a “soft skill,” empathy is not just a buzzword. Cultivating this branch of emotional intelligence will result in positive effects for your career and your life. At the heart of empathy is understanding and communication, which are both powerful tools in the workplace. Focusing on these skills will not only make you a more competent leader, but improve workplace relations and performance.
So What is Empathy?
Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes: to perceive the needs, thoughts and experiences of others, and react accordingly. A strongly developed sense of empathy allows you to better connect and understand people whose experiences are different from your own.
Why Does it Matter?
According to a 2021 study of Workplace Empathy, more than 84% of CEOs believe that empathy drives better business outcomes. But only 1 out of 4 employees believe that the empathy in their workplace is sufficient. Cultivating an atmosphere where empathy is valued and encouraged results in a more supportive workplace culture and can increase employee performance. Especially during the pandemic where the lines between work and personal lives are being blurred, maintaining an empathetic mindset can help ease tensions, nurture trust, cultivate clearer communication and improve employee retention. A company culture that centers empathy also encourages creativity, curiosity, and innovation.
What Does Empathetic Leadership Look Like?
Empathy is not necessarily a skill that comes naturally to everyone, but it can be learned and improved. Leaders don’t have to be mental health experts to demonstrate that they care about the well-being of their team. Here are some ways to champion an empathic environment:
- Show Interest and Take Action
Commit to pushing past your own biases by critically evaluating how your prejudices might jeopardize your relationships and work to combat them. Realizing that diversity is power can make it easier to respect differing points of view and understand the reasoning behind them. As a leader, it is important to get to know your employees and to understand their needs and goals. Showing interest and recognizing the differences in your employees can help to improve workplace relations and can make your employees more engaged. Practice patience and active listening to facilitate trust and convey respect. - Endorse Empathy
If empathy is a central tenet of the culture of your organization, communicate that value to your team. If you truly value the experiences and perspectives of others, be clear that you are interested. Ask questions. Seek feedback. And, most importantly, really listen to that feedback and incorporate it into the fabric of your organization. - Communication with Clarity and Flexibility
Communication is key, especially as companies shift to hybrid work schedules, maintaining empathy through all of these reopening changes can show support. This can be done through flexibility in schedules, addressing hesitation, and communicating openly about expectations. Reach out today to learn how I can assist you in developing your sense of empathy and implementing it within your organization.
Reach out today to learn how I can assist you in developing your sense of empathy and implementing it within your organization.
