You're struggling to connect with your team members. How can you enhance your empathy skills as a leader?

The proverb "Walk a mile in someone else's shoes" can be used to acquire greater empathy as a leader through active listening and continuous support to understand and address the unique needs and challenges different members face.

Make sure all this is not just in your own head as a reflection of any insecurities or limiting beliefs you might have. Odds are, it is. You might ask them if they also notice a disconnect between them. Also, make sure you are approaching with appropriate context and at appropriate times. Don't expect them to connect with you when they are in deep work & flow. :)

Todo esta en ti amigo/a. Revisa tu energía, conexión, tu mentalidad -tus creencias y prejuicios- , tu impacto, tu c. no verbal, esa herida que los otros pueden activar y llevarte a reacciones de ....Todo esta en ti, somos la variable dependiente ?No?

Active listening is key to understanding your team members. Pay full attention when they speak, avoiding interruptions and distractions. Show that you’re engaged by nodding, making eye contact, and summarizing their points to confirm understanding. This not only makes them feel heard but also helps you grasp their perspectives and emotions more accurately. By listening actively, you demonstrate respect and interest, which builds trust and opens the door to more meaningful connections. Practicing active listening consistently will significantly enhance your empathy as a leader.

Generalmente cuando pensamos en escuchar, consideramos que solo se lo hace con el oído. Sin embargo la Escucha significa poner toda nuestra corporalidad al servicio de la persona o personas con quienes estamos conversando.

Acknowledge and validate your team members' emotions, showing that you understand and respect their feelings. Use phrases like "I can see why you feel that way" or "That sounds really challenging." Validation doesn't mean you have to agree with everything; it's about recognizing their experiences and emotions as real and important. This fosters an environment where team members feel safe expressing themselves, knowing their leader respects and values their emotional experiences. By validating their feelings, you build stronger, more empathetic connections.

Utilizo la terminología de "Legitimidad" aquí - no es mía, la aprendí en mi camino como consultor y coach -. Cada persona de nuestro equipo es un legítimo otro que trae una interpretación del mundo y de la situación a veces coincidente, a veces diametralmente opuesta a lo que nosotros vemos o consideramos. ?Qué nos sucede al conversar con otros, sobre todo cuando piensan distinto a nosotros?

Cada uno de nosotros interpeta el mundo de una manera. Si nos quedamos sin preguntar, nos quedamos sin la riqueza que me aporta la interpretación de los otros.

????????-?????????? ??????????????????: Pose open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses, such as “Can you tell me more about how you feel about this project?” ???????????????????? ??????????????????: Ask clarifying questions to ensure you fully understand their perspective, such as “What do you mean by...?” or “Can you give me an example?” ???????????????????? ??????????????????: Show empathy by asking questions that acknowledge their feelings, like “How did that situation make you feel?” or “What can I do to support you?”

Relacionado con la habilidad de escuchar, se suma la posibilidad de compartir nuestras propias experiencias. Es pertinente preguntar, si a quien se lo estoy compartiendo quiere recibirla y luego consultarle también si lo que compartimos fue de valor para él o ella. Sobre eso continuar co-construyendo la relación.

Si bien el apoyo es importante, considero que puede ser más importante, asumir y demostrar compromiso en las acciones a cumplir que nos corresponde como líderes. A veces la sola escucha es suficiente, muchas otras, necesitamos además, sumar otras acciones.

?????????????? ??????????????????: Ensure team members have the necessary tools, training, and resources to perform their tasks effectively, showing your commitment to their success. ???? ??????????????????: Make yourself accessible for questions, guidance, and support, demonstrating your willingness to help and be there for your team. ?????????????????? ????????-???????? ??????????????????????: Promote healthy work-life harmony by recognising the importance of personal time and offering flexibility, which helps team members feel valued and supported.

????????-????????????????????: Regularly evaluate your interactions with team members, considering how well you understood and responded to their needs and emotions. ???????? ????????????????: Ask team members for feedback on your empathetic behaviour and communication style, using their insights to identify areas for improvement. ????????????????????: Keep a journal to reflect on daily interactions, noting what went well and what could be improved, and setting goals for enhancing your empathy skills.