Empathy

A survey showed that almost all CEOs questioned believed that financial performance is linked to empathy in the workplace.

Business is about people and empathy is about understanding them. The business leader should balance caring and compassion with logic and good reasoning.

Empathy is developed by good communication. Active listening, fully understanding what is being said and reading the body language, tone and emotion involved in the telling. Interacting with your staff, being approachable and showing appreciation for their work and interest in your people. Anticipating reactions and challenges by being proactive and informative about changes and future uncertainties, being transparent and addressing concerns.

Empathy allows leaders to gain insights into how their staff feel, understanding their needs and worries, taking time to get to know them better, all of which contributes to a much better culture.