Empathy refers to how we recognize and respond to other people’s emotions and experiences. When workplace leaders practice empathy, especially through active listening, they can help break down barriers that prevent true connection among coworkers. As a main principle of ubuntu, active listening encourages communication and collaboration, two key elements of a thriving workplace.
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“Humanity At Work: The Power Of Leading With Empathy”
Author: Udi Dorner, Forbes Councils Member, Forbes Business Council
From Forbes.com
Excerpt
“While leading with empathy in the workplace is not always simple, it is critical for developing strong, productive teams. Empathy enables us to understand and connect with our coworkers on a deeper level, resulting in a supportive and enjoyable work environment….
Empathy can be difficult to practice in the workplace for a variety of reasons. One of the primary reasons is that many workplaces place an emphasis on efficiency and productivity over emotional connection and understanding. This results in a culture that suppresses emotions and leaves little room for vulnerability or empathy.”
Below are some tips from Forbes for workplace leaders about knowing when to intervene and how to develop or demonstrate empathy while keeping the productive spirit alive:
- Pay attention to employee emotions.
- Set realistic goals and expectations.
- Encourage communication and collaboration.
- Practice active listening. T
To learn more about these tips and how to lead with empathy in the workplace, visit https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/06/07/humanity-at-work-the-power-of-leading-with-empathy/?sh=4ba6df4b6ef9
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