This is part four of a 12-part series.
Successfully leading a team can be one of the most rewarding aspects of a professional’s career. However, addressing a diverse group effectively can be difficult for new leaders. From open communication and recognition to delegation and empowerment to self-awareness and empathy, there are a plethora of leadership arrows professionals must carry in their quivers to be successful. So during this series, we will examine 12 areas of focus and reveal practical tips to help new leaders in some of the most important aspects of leadership. Fourth up: empathy.
Empathy
Being an empathetic leader can lead to a more engaged team, higher communication levels, and less conflict. While 90% of HR professionals and CEOs believe empathy is very important, only 67% of employees said their leaders were empathetic, according to the 2023 State of Workplace Empathy study. The study also found that while 80% of workers say their co-workers are empathetic, only 59% say their CEOs are. With HR professionals experiencing burnout, return-to-office policies taking a toll on employees, and a declining perception of empathy at work, it is more important than ever to focus on empathy. Check out these three tips to practice at work.
- Ask Questions, Listen, and Learn
One of the first steps to becoming a more empathetic leader is to become a better listener. Often, people in leadership positions delegate and communicate goals well, but the communication is only one-way. To fully understand your employees, two-way communication is key. Regardless of the topic (explaining a project, working through feedback, or handling conflict), ask questions to better understand where your team is coming from, as well as to better gauge their understanding of the conversation as it stands. Be sure to listen to your employees’ needs, desires, and concerns, and learn from their perspective. “Ask, Listen, and Learn” should drive your next action steps.
- Be Authentic and Transparent
Authenticity goes a long way in gaining trust among your employees and the Harvard Business Review found that 75% of employees want more authenticity at work. To grow into a more authentic leader, start by working on self-awareness. You can’t expect employees to be open and honest with you without first being open and honest with yourself. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and areas dedicated to personal growth. Then, create transparency between you and your employees. People want to follow a leader who is honest, and by living out that characteristic, you’ll be able to build a team that is honest with you.
- Get Personal
While creating professional boundaries is important to maintain a healthy work-life balance and to ensure no lines are crossed in the workplace, it can still be helpful to get to know your employees to a degree on a personal level. From family obligations to side hobbies and interests, everyone has something outside of their work that affects who they are as an employee. Getting to know what makes your team members special will help them feel more fully known by their leader. And when something comes up that conflicts with work, you will be more prepared to understand and give grace when needed. However, don’t push this issue unless your employees feel comfortable opening up. Some people are private, and that’s okay, too. The point is to show genuine interest in your employees, which will help build a culture of empathy in your office.
What are some important empathy tips you’ve learned during your career? How has a focus on empathy helped you lead a successful team? Let us know in the comments section below!
