How can you build empathy for servant leadership?

This is so true you cannot have empathy without understanding another person's point of view and this can only be done through being an active listener and understanding why they think and feel the way they do.

Empathy isn't something to simply switch on but there is a way that it can be an outcome of a less altruistic plan... Insights Discovery is an amazing way of nurturing teamwork, collaboration and communication. Usually this is invoked to make a good team even better but it is sometimes used to correct or support interactions that are not going so well. The empathy link comes from the personalised Insights profiles that are generated as part of the exercise. These highlight the nature of the behaviours that we choose to bring to work. Sometimes this is a reflection of our natural self, sometimes not. The key thing is that the process facilitates discussions on WHY and that is where the deeper empathy and relationship building comes in.

Seeking feedback creates a culture of open communication, trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement within a team. Building empathy through feedback by better understanding your team leads to a more effective and resilient group that is better equipped to achieve its goals and overcome challenges.

Embracing empathy means actively seeking and valuing feedback. Learn from diverse perspectives, acknowledging your mistakes for personal growth. Lead with an open heart and humility, utilizing feedback to guide your journey as a servant leader. Practice asking for feedback, listening attentively, showing appreciation, and taking actionable steps. Recognize the power of words, using them thoughtfully to uplift and demonstrate care. Understand that words can either heal or harm; choose them wisely in your daily leadership. “We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” – Bill Gates

In my experience, I have found this to be one of the most genuine, cost effective, team building tactics. Every week at the start of my team call, I open up by asking everyone, “what was one awesome personal or professional accomplishment last week of which you’re proud of?” The stories shared spark binding discussions of which team members share common interests, best practices, their passions, and stories of their family/friends. It’s a powerful way to start a meaningful and collaborative team discussion…

Empathy is essential for effective servant leadership, helping you meet others' needs and build meaningful relationships. One way of doing this is to Embrace servant leadership as a lifestyle as both in your personal and professional life. Show compassion, lead by serving, tell stories, empower others, perform selfless acts, and promote diversity. Continue to strive for empathy and humility in your leadership journey as well as in your life. Remember, servant leadership transcends religious and cultural boundaries. By practising empathy and humility, you become a more effective and ethical leader. “Empathy grows as we learn.” – Alice Miller.

One more thing: Embrace the Unfamiliar! Cultivating empathy sometimes entails embracing the unfamiliar and engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Stepping out of your comfort zone and into different perspectives can be an uncomfortable yet transformative journey. By actively seeking to understand and connect with those who have different life stories, you can unlock a richer understanding of servant leadership and its profound impact on building trust and rapport.