Developing Empathy for Better Leadership
Someone like Carter Boyle, who is experienced in leadership, knows that being a leader is more than just giving out commands. It’s also being able to understand and relate with your subordinates. A good leader must, therefore, develop empathy and be able to understand how people around them feel. If you think you need to improve your ability to share other people’s feelings, here are tips to help you become more empathetic: 1. Learn to listen Understanding begins with knowing how others feel and what circumstances they’re in. You will learn all these by listening. When your people talk to you, give them your full attention and do not focus on anything else. Try not to interrupt so that they will be encouraged to express themselves and explain their side. 2. Pay attention to body language Listening – and consequently, empathy – requires not just the ears, but also the eyes. Even as you listen to what people say, watch their gestures, mannerisms, and tics, too. These will tell ...