Effective leadership in our complex world requires more than just setting goals and strategies. It demands creating an environment where teams can thrive.
We’d like to believe that those on our team think like us, and have the insight and drive to do what we would do to accelerate progress. But we don’t know what it’s like to be them, and they don’t see what we see, or know what we know. They may want different things than us.
By seeking to truly understand your team members’ perspectives and motivations, you shape a culture that enables commitment and accountability. This is the hard work of empathy, versus assuming that you know their minds.
To strengthen your empathetic leadership:
Practice active listening. Focus on hearing the spoken and unspoken message instead of rehearsing your response. Recognize when the speaker’s body language is inconsistent with the words spoken. Clarify expressed emotions, and summarize what you’ve heard to ensure understanding.
Show genuine care. Your team needs to know that their comments are heard and appreciated. As you respond, balance rationality with compassion. Identify those who might benefit from your mentoring.
Be self-aware. Your unspoken reaction to a message is often more impactful than your words, so monitor your emotions, facial expressions, and body language. Seek feedback on how you impact others.
By helping your team see how they make a difference, you inspire the extra effort needed for outstanding results. This approach bridges gaps in understanding, aligns diverse perspectives, and cultivates a culture of mutual appreciation and high performance.
How effectively are you employing empathy vs. telepathy to influence and motivate your team?
