Empathy contributes to a positive work environment by helping leaders better relate to their clients, team members, coworkers, and the public at large – as well as in their private life. And although empathy is a vital leadership competency, only the actual application of empathy in the proper way and in the appropriate perspective can aid and contribute to better business results. Though it requires time, effort, and commitment to develop, the benefits of practicing empathy arguably far outweigh any imagined labor, however, and the return on the investment is great.
Benefits
Management
In any organization, empathetic leaders are an essential part of building and maintaining relationships and retaining talent. As a result of empathetic communication in the workplace, human interactions are improved and individuals can connect more effectively and have better outcomes, both at work and at home. By practicing empathetic management skills, leaders improve their effectiveness and increase their chances of success. Further, the bosses of leaders who practiced empathetic leadership tend to rate them as better performers.
When put into practice consistently, empathy enables stronger relationships with current and future stakeholders, such as clients, customers, and investors. This can lead to increased sales and improve other important business metrics because empathy helps leaders better understand the motivations of those involved. Communication is more effective when leaders practice empathy because they are able to adjust their communication style to the person or group with whom they are interacting; it’s easier to modify the tone of voice or body language to best fit the conversation when that self-awareness is present. Empathetic leaders can also more easily support the research tactics and discussion methods needed to secure new contracts or update old contracts with current clients.
Team Members
Empathy affords many opportunities to develop a stronger, more cohesive, and more motivated workforce that is capable of inspiring people and strengthening bonds and loyalties within the organization. Empathy reinforces working relationships when team members work to understand their coworkers’ backgrounds and perspectives. It boosts cultural awareness because it involves partnerships based on curiosity and respect, building rapport and promoting trust.
When workers understand that their actions impact other people – as well as how they impact others – it can lead to more productive conversations, especially when interacting with people with different backgrounds and perspectives. We have previously discussed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at length and view empathy as a vital component of the equation.
Organization
When company leaders understand their customers’ needs and wants by viewing challenges from the customer’s perspective, the process of fine tuning products and services becomes much more focused and effective. Understanding the recipient’s viewpoint can help identify issues or opportunities that hadn’t previously been considered and make management and team members more willing to experiment with new solutions. In fact, applying empathy in the workplace can increase the capacity for innovative thinking because of the creation of a safe space in which workers at all levels know they can brainstorm, collaborate, and be heard.
Considering the perspective of target customers and their needs increases the ability to meet those needs. Thinking of the various strategies that would most appeal to them as a customer provides a unique opportunity for a company’s employees to be able to reach even more potential clients. When both leaders and team members practice empathy in the workplace, they can more easily put themselves in the customer’s place and discover what is important to them so the company can provide solutions.
Solutions
Having the ability to empathize can enhance communication and build great relationships at work, resulting in a more positive working environment. When we demonstrate understanding, compassion, mindfulness, and awareness, people notice.
Successful leaders understand that empathy is a key part of emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness. If you need help developing your empathy skills and fine tuning your personal and business communications as part of being a more effective leader, I can review your needs and help you formulate a process that works for you and your organization. Reach out and schedule a consultation today.
