Why is it important?
Being in leadership presents numerous challenges, one of which is the importance of empathy. Empathetic leadership can boost your team’s morale and productivity. Implement these three key strategies.
1. Active Listening
In a typical working day often the blinkers come on, you are focused on the end goal or target and your team’s thoughts or ideas tend to go unnoticed or unheard despite your best intentions at listening.
When speaking to a colleague or subordinate, try to hear what they are saying. There is verbal and nonverbal communication. Note their tone of voice, facial expression, body language, and eye contact. Are they upset? Happy or angry?
Digest what’s been said for a moment, then deliver your response in a meaningful, non-judgmental, or critical way. This will increase people’s confidence in you not only as a leader but also as a genuine person and will help your professional relationships thrive.
Take a look at this guide on Active listening.
2. Show compassion
Leading with empathy means showing an interest in people’s needs. Try not to be the boss who asks “How was your weekend?” then walks away before a response can even be made! Remembering personal details about your team will increase morale and create a deeper connection within the team dynamic.
Taking time out of your busy schedule to connect will have a long-lasting impact. This doesn’t mean bowing down to your team’s every whim but by remembering small details. For example, it was someone’s birthday over the weekend, maybe their child just started school, or celebrating the fact it’s been one whole year since they joined the team will leave team members feeling valued and cared for.
Showing an interest and understanding in individual team members is a positive move forward. This will allow you to align tasks to the right people which will ensure everyone will reach their goals. You will notice an increase in performance, a sense of purpose, and belonging, and a feeling of satisfaction.
Take a look at Importance of Empathy in the workplace
3. Adapt
Finally, adaptability is key in empathetic leadership. Adapting your style towards events and the emotions of team members makes for a positive impact.
This may be easier said than done. You will need to show kindness and even patience when dealing with team members who may not be performing up to standard due to personal reasons, lack of childcare, their car has broken down, or their partner has left them.
Watch this clip on Dana White talking about how he kept his workforce going during COVID-19 and refuses to lay off employees even during a pandemic. This is a classic example of empathetic leadership and an interesting watch!
It will be up to you to adapt to the situation and lead your team to meet the desired goal. Being in a leadership position means making difficult decisions, whatever they may be.
To Summarise
In my decade of military experience non-empathetic leadership is very present. In some instances, this is a good thing. In a combat situation barking orders in order to get things done quickly saves lives. However, for routine business, empathy is required in leadership. Implement these three strategies. Watch yourself grow into the leader you have always wanted to become.