Leading with Empathy
In the business world, being an effective leader is about more than just setting targets and achieving them. True leadership lies in the ability to connect, understand, and empathize with your team. Today, we're diving into three simple yet profound steps to lead with empathy.
1. Lock Eyes and Dive Deep
The Power of Eye Contact:
Ever had a conversation where the other person keeps glancing at their watch or looking around? Frustrating, isn’t it? Eye contact is a powerful tool that often goes unnoticed. Here's how to use it:
Be Intentional: When someone is speaking to you, make an effort to maintain eye contact. It doesn't mean staring them down, but occasional breaks and returning your gaze shows you're engaged.
Convey Understanding: Sometimes, a simple nod while maintaining eye contact is all someone needs to feel heard.
Practice: If maintaining eye contact feels awkward to you, practice with friends or in front of a mirror. It will become more natural over time.
2. Stand Tall, But Not Too Tall
The Nuances of Body Posture:
Your posture speaks volumes before you even utter a word. Let's make sure it's conveying empathy:
Open Up: Crossed arms can come off as defensive or closed off. Instead, keep your arms relaxed by your side or on the table.
Lean In: Literally. By slightly leaning towards someone when they speak, you're showing you're invested in what they're saying.
Mirror Their Movements: This is a subtle technique. If the person you're speaking with leans back, do the same. It creates a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
3. Listen, Don’t Just Hear
Mastering Active Listening:
Active listening goes beyond just hearing words; it's about understanding the emotions and intentions behind them.
Clear the Clutter: Before diving into a conversation, clear your mind of any distractions.
Rephrase and Reflect: "So, what I'm hearing is..." or "It sounds like you feel..." are great starters to show you're truly grasping the message.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of "Did that upset you?", ask "How did that make you feel?". It encourages deeper conversations.
Avoid Interruptions: This can be tough, especially if you're bursting with ideas. But give the speaker a full chance to express themselves before jumping in.
Remember, being an empathetic leader isn't about being soft; it's about understanding, connecting, and ultimately, guiding your team to success. So, the next time you're in a meeting or a one-on-one chat, try these techniques. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes!