{"id":2557,"date":"2021-12-01T03:31:44","date_gmt":"2021-12-01T03:31:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sphereofinfluence360.com\/?p=2557"},"modified":"2024-01-26T12:47:08","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T12:47:08","slug":"how-to-lead-with-empathy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sphereofinfluence360.com\/nl\/how-to-lead-with-empathy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Lead with Empathy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You\u2019d be surprised how big of an impact the little things can have. When someone thanks you, acknowledges a job well done, or asks you about your weekend. Perhaps it\u2019s that check-in from a colleague who knows you\u2019re doing a tough assignment, or even just that smile as you pass in the hallway.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s especially meaningful when it comes from above\u2014we try harder for leaders who show interest in us as human beings. When they make an effort to support us, and time to listen, we feel valued, comfortable, and more willing to go the extra mile.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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These are truly empathetic leaders.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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4+ Benefits of Being an Empathetic Leader<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Why is empathy a top leadership skill in the 21st Century?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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There are at least 4 reasons:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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  1. It makes employees feel recognized, valued for their contribution and more comfortable in their roles \u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. Empathy encourages honesty and trust between colleagues, which reduces organizational silos and unhealthy competition\u00a0<\/li>\n
  3. It can inspire teammates to collaborate more effectively, working together toward shared goals\u00a0<\/li>\n
  4. When leaders can relate to their co-workers, it\u2019s much easier for them to improve productivity and morale by helping out struggling colleagues.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    These benefits are just the start. Over time, empathetic leadership can be felt on an individual level as higher job satisfaction, lower staff turnover, and greater productivity as employees thrive in a supportive, caring culture.<\/p>\n

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    Empathy = More Than Ever Right Now<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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    I know for a fact that the world\u2019s largest, most successful organizations make an effort to invest in their staff, and that includes developing soft skills such as empathy. So why are we talking about it\u00a0now<\/em>?\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    Because it\u2019s more important than ever.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    The truth is that organizations have been hit by the pandemic in more ways than one. As well as financial strain, stress levels among co-workers are higher than they\u2019ve ever been. Between working remotely and job insecurity to the pressure of lockdowns and quarantine, statistics show that empathy is critical\u2014because it\u2019s an\u00a0effective way to cope with stress<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    But…how does that work?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Succinctly put, leaders who take an empathetic approach create a much healthier work environment than one where colleagues feel unsupported. By listening, caring, and being available, leaders can motivate employees and encourage greater mental wellbeing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    According to study data<\/a><\/strong>, 78% of managers suggest empathy leads to higher morale, while 76% feel it has a direct positive impact on productivity.<\/p>\n

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    5\u00a0Tips for Leading With Empathy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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    Clearly, any manager or leader who can consider their colleagues\u2019 feelings, make them feel good, and communicate adaptively to increase mutual understanding is hugely beneficial in an organization.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    So how can\u00a0you\u00a0<\/em>become more empathetic?\u00a0<\/p>\n

    Knowing your communication strengths and weaknesses is the best place to start. There are tests such as the Sfeer van Invloed 360\u00b0<\/a><\/strong> that can quickly reveal whether empathy is something you already show or if it’s a skill you can improve on.<\/p>\n

    If it’s the latter, or if you’d like to build on your strength, here are 5 helpful tips that any leader can put into practice.<\/p>\n

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    1. Put Yourself in Someone Else\u2019s Shoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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    When you try to understand other peoples\u2019 points of view, they feel more comfortable with you. It makes them feel safe, respected, and they\u2019re more likely to cooperate with you, which is great for collaboration.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    There are two ways you can try to tap into someone\u2019s perspective.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    First, by giving some thought to how they might feel:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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