I recently stumbled upon a thought-provoking article on Harvard Business Review titled “What We Get Wrong About Empathic Leadership”. It’s an insightful read that delves into common misconceptions about empathy in leadership.
My AHA moment
The HBR article highlights that most people get empathy wrong by confusing it with sympathy, and that was what stood out to me. Many leaders think empathy is simply about being nice or agreeable. However, true empathic leadership goes beyond this—it’s about understanding and addressing the deeper needs and concerns of your team.
Empathy in Action:
Inspired by the HBR article, here are five powerful questions that can help you have rich, empathetic conversations with your stakeholders. These questions are designed to uncover deeper insights and build stronger connections. Here's what empathy in action looks like:
“Where are we now with this issue?” Purpose: To understand the current landscape from the stakeholder’s perspective. It provides a clear picture of the situation, highlighting areas of concern and progress.
“What have you tried before?” Purpose: To learn from past efforts and experiences. Helps avoid repeating mistakes and builds on what has previously worked.
“Who do you work with and who don’t you work with?” (my personal favorite) Purpose: To identify potential collaboration opportunities and existing silos.Promotes teamwork and reduces barriers within the organization.
“How do you feel about the upcoming changes?” Purpose: To gauge emotional responses and address anxieties. Validates feelings and prepares you to offer the right support.
“What support do you need to succeed?” Purpose: To identify resources and assistance required for a smooth transition.Demonstrates your commitment to their success and well-being.
Why Empathic Leadership matters
Empathy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical leadership skill that drives effective change management. By asking the right questions and genuinely listening you can cut through the noise, build a solid relationship and be efficient in your approach to managing change.
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