Empathy: The Best Leadership Skill for Today's Workplace
allAs workplace culture evolves, we must prioritize the needs of each human being specifically. An empathetic approach to organizational culture is proven to drive positive business results.
A recent large-scale study identified empathy as the most important leadership skill in the workplace. Empathy has been shown to drive positive business outcomes and has numerous therapeutic benefits for stressed employees. When leaders show empathy for their teams, they increase innovation and engagement, improve customer service, and help balance home and work life.
British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson once said, “Understanding empathy as well as the experiences of people from different walks of life is a key skill for a business leader.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella held a similar belief and said, “Empathy makes you a better innovator.” … traits that my wife helped me begin to learn when my son was born with severe disabilities. These are the qualities that shape our quest to meet our customers' unmet needs. and… It helps society as a whole to create new opportunities for everyone.”
To further document the benefits of empathy in the workplace, the Global Empathy Index has been released. Harvard Business Reviewlooked at data on employee responses to questions ranging from CEO approval ratings to how happy they are at work. Researchers found that empathetic companies were the most profitable and were associated with higher employee income and satisfaction, as well as increased customer satisfaction.
The appeal of empathetic leadership extends beyond the traditional office environment. Former Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine trains athletes, SWAT teams, first responders and aspiring SEALS to combine mental toughness with intuition and heart. Empathetic leadership isn't just for highly sensitive types. It's also for people who struggle in any field.
You can be an empathetic leader whether you're a new manager, a top executive, or simply someone who leads by example in any job, even if you don't manage anyone. As the need for empathy and human connection has grown in a chaotic world, so has the power of everyday empathetic leadership.
To become a more empathetic leader, hone these key traits:
- verity. By modeling values and integrity, we always take the high road and consistently deliver on our promises.
- connection. Take a genuine interest in your team members. Connect with others in a way that allows you to understand their perspectives, know how they feel, and discover what inspires them.
- Upbringing. Use praise and positive reinforcement to encourage excellence while nurturing the talents and strengths of team members.
For example, empathetic leaders do not pressure team members to perform when they see them faltering, nor do they use criticism to motivate. Nor do they lead to an impatience that freezes or panics people. Instead, start by appreciating the individual's contribution to the team. They then address the challenges they are facing in a caring tone and together explore strategies to achieve their goals.
Approaching team members with empathy rather than provocation does not make leaders stubborn, weak, or incapable of setting boundaries. Rather, they integrate strength and compassion to lead.
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Judith OrloffMD is the author of the new book. The Genius of Empathy: Practical Skills for Healing the Sensitive Self, Relationships, and the World Includes a foreword by the Dalai Lama (April 9, 2024, seems to be true). Dr. Orloff is a member of the UCLA Psychiatry Clinical Faculty and new york times best seller. She is a leading voice in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, empathy, and intuitive development. Her work has been featured on CNN, NPR, Talks at Google, TEDx, and the American Psychiatric Association. She also appeared in USA Today; Oh, Oprah Magazine; Scientific American; and New England Journal of Medicine. In her private practice, she specializes in treating highly sensitive individuals. Learn more at drjudithorloff.com.
Register for Dr. Orloff's online webinar on empathic healing techniques based on: genius of empathy April 20, 2024 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST.
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Posted by Michael McKinney at 8:41 AM
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