Been taught to speak up? Also been taught to properly listen?

Leading with Empathy

Sometimes it needs guts to stand up and speak up.

I feel that it needs an equal amount of courage to truly sit down and listen.

To understand. To empathize.

I was just listening to a story of one of my work colleagues and was impressed by his honesty and authenticity of his statements. Thank you James for allowing me to share:

 "There is no doubt that 2020 was a rough and challenging year, however I take solace in knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccination roll out. 2021 will be a year of continued patience and understanding until a semblance of normalcy returns.

I recently completed a very informative learning session on LinkedIn Learning titled "Radical Candor". The principles at heart highlight a leader's role in personally caring about employees and also challenging them in their work. This is not to say we should consider empathetic leaders "too nice" to make difficult decisions. Leaders must still be willing to challenge their colleagues when expectations are not met and be willing to hold one another accountable. As dutiful employees, there will always be circumstances where we may have to do or say things that aren't necessarily popular, however we must always do the right thing aligned to our organizational values. For the individual, the message is "clear is kind". When we build transparent lines of communication and mutual trust, we can respectfully be direct and honest with each other.

The global pandemic has most likely impacted our mental health in some shape or form. Whether it be reduced energy levels, lower drive, or a lingering sadness, being mindful of the impacts on mental health and when to reach out is vitally crucial. 

Most families have firsthand experience in dealing with mental health concerns and I am no exception to this. I came from a large Irish family of five boys and two girls. My brother, William, the fourth boy in our family, started out life kind and sensitive. Through his teen years, he faced many internal battles that progressed to a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia at the age of 21. With a diagnosis and medical support, my brother carried on for a few more years until he could no longer handle the struggles he was facing internally. Sadly, he decided this world was no longer for him and ended his life. 

His journey through mental health had a huge impact on the people he loved most. His friends and family carry the grief and heaviness of his passing in their everyday lives, some days heavier than others.

At some point in our lives, we will experience a varying degree of hardship and struggle which may have an impact in our working environment. Everyone is unique, we only see a facet of someone's life and may have no idea of personal struggles. Now more than ever, we need to see each other as human beings with individual stories and lead with empathy. This means being sensitive to overworked colleagues, showing interest in their lives, willing to lend a helping hand or ear with their problems, and compassionate when they share their troubles. Showing each other empathy will build stronger lines of communication and trustworthy relationships. It will enable us to give our best and get the best out of our colleagues, even when life outside of work throws us curve balls.

Our mental health and well-being is of upmost importance and must be cared for as individuals and consciously within every organization - especially during these unprecedented times. 

As colleagues, let's recognize that we are human beings and mental health is vitally important. We must strive to lead with empathy, build trust and collaboration; and continue to demonstrate our culture through our actions. Building our culture with these values will enable us to execute our strategies as an organization.

Let's continue on our path to continued growth and success."