I have long said that as we become better leaders, we become better humans – and vice versa. Empathy is one example of that truth. Empathy is a valuable and important human skill and leadership skill. If you think of the best leaders you have experienced, you have likely experienced leadership empathy from them. So, while the value of leadership empathy isn’t questioned, there is an unanswered question: who do you have empathy for?
The Why of Leadership Empathy
It is easy to say empathy is important and we value it in those who lead us. But why is that exactly? Here are five reasons leadership empathy is so important.
- Empathy builds relationships. Leaders who have strong relationships with their team members are more effective and create – through those team members – greater results.
- Empathy builds trust. We trust those who are empathetic to our situation more than those who aren’t. But leadership empathy builds trust in both directions.
- Empathy enhances collaboration. When people are known and feel heard, it is easier to be open to collaborating with others.
- Empathy builds engagement. Are you more likely to be engaged if your boss knows who you are, how you are doing, and is supportive and empathetic? Of course. And you aren’t the only one.
- Empathy increases communication success. Leaders who are empathetic listen and acknowledge. They seek to understand. These actions not only create empathy, they also increase the effectiveness of that and future communications.
The Who of Leadership Empathy?
Most would think about leadership empathy in terms of being empathetic with the team they lead. In fact, that is (purposefully) the way I wrote the five bullets above. But the benefits of empathy for leaders extends far beyond the team itself. Think about how much more effective you will be as a leader when you are empathetic with these groups too.
- Your external customers. As a leader, you may have direct interactions with external, paying customers. If so, make sure you consider how exhibiting empathy with them is critical to everyone’s success. Make it your primary goal to listen, understand, and empathize with them at every opportunity. It will build your relationship and trust with them and give you valuable insights to share with your team too.
- Your internal customers. If you are a leader in the middle of the organization, you may never talk to paying customers. Your customers are those in the department your team’s work benefits – those in the next “silo.” When you build bridges of understanding through empathy, work will get easier for everyone. Productivity grows, and work gets a bit more enjoyable.
- Your peers. As a leader, you are on two teams - the team you lead and the team of your peers. Have you considered practicing empathy with your peers? Building trust with them helps with the “internal customer” group mentioned above. Thus, collaboration, understanding, and success grow on this team too.
- Your suppliers. Who gives you and your team your resources and inputs? These are your suppliers - whether they are internal or external. Understanding their needs and situations better prepares you for changes and challenges that may come your way. Building relationships with your suppliers through empathy gives you more information and fewer misunderstandings, conflicts, or tensions with them.
Empathy takes time, energy, and effort. Awareness of the impact of empathy can help you be more intentional in taking that time and making that effort. Now I hope you see that there are far more people to consider when you practice leadership empathy.
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