Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. While this might not be the first skill that gets you through the door of a new job, it’s the skill that will help you climb the ladder.
Often people have the misconception that only technical skills and knowledge can be learned and soft skills such as empathy are neglected. Yet without empathy, teamwork is ineffective, misunderstandings arise and a positive social environment is lacking. So encouraging and demonstrating empathy within the workplace will be advantageous to your business.
Here are some ways how to improve empathy in your work environment:
1.Listen
This is by far the most important rule to empathy and the one that’s easily forgotten. When goals and deadlines crowd your workday, it’s hard to take the time to listen to those around you. And by listen, we mean listen to everything they express: verbally, visually and emotionally.
2. Clarify
When you don’t understand what the other person has said or can’t relate to how they feel, ask them. This is the simplest way to understand the other person. In turn, clarifying their statements will help others feel heard.
3. Acknowledge
Once you understand the other person’s point of view, acknowledge it. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with what they’re saying, you’re simply accepting it. Accepting that people have different opinions to your own is the right step to building a positive relationship.
4. Be Open Minded
A leader isn’t expected to know everything. Be willing to learn not only about your technical role in the workplace, but about those around you. We’re never certain what someone’s situation is, or how they will react. So be willing to accept that mistakes will be made and misunderstandings formed, but that there’s room to grow.
Need help?
Please contact The Quinn Group on (02) 9223 9166 or submit an online enquiry.
