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 you more about how people truly feel and what’s actually on their mind. Sometimes, body language may even reveal more than spoken words.
3. Do not judge
There will be times when people will tell you something you don’t agree with. Instead of reacting emotionally and expressing your disagreement, distance yourself and suspend your judgment. This will allow you to accept their message with little to no personal bias. Ceasing judgment and assumptions also lets you understand what others are going through.
4. Encourage others to express themselves
You are not likely to understand how people feel if they don’t talk to you. Find ways to encourage those who are quiet or hesitant to connect with you. Show them that conversations, even those on topics you don’t agree with, are rewarding and will not get them in trouble.
Experienced leaders like Carter Boyle know that empathy comes with a lot of rewards. Not only does empathy help in rallying the support and cooperation of your subordinates, it also puts you in a better position to lead your team.
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 you more about how people truly feel and what’s actually on their mind. Sometimes, body language may even reveal more than spoken words.
3. Do not judge
There will be times when people will tell you something you don’t agree with. Instead of reacting emotionally and expressing your disagreement, distance yourself and suspend your judgment. This will allow you to accept their message with little to no personal bias. Ceasing judgment and assumptions also lets you understand what others are going through.
4. Encourage others to express themselves
You are not likely to understand how people feel if they don’t talk to you. Find ways to encourage those who are quiet or hesitant to connect with you. Show them that conversations, even those on topics you don’t agree with, are rewarding and will not get them in trouble.
Experienced leaders like Carter Boyle know that empathy comes with a lot of rewards. Not only does empathy help in rallying the support and cooperation of your subordinates, it also puts you in a better position to lead your team.
Comments
Post a Comment