Empathy might be a good strategy

As we experience covid-19 as a long-term condition, not just a short occurrence, we have to learn to master this new way of being a human, in a world of a deadly virus as well as in our work field.

While others are discussing the possibility of whether this virus will ever end or not, I will focus on how to handle this situation, which we all hope for, will end very soon!

Covid-19 has changed our lives, in private and professional; the way we work and live. this, we have to relate to, in a good way to prevent difficult feelings taken over our common sense. We have been talking about our feelings and how we cope with them for the last 1,5 years. So we all know that some people have had harder times, than others.

BUT, what will make the difference in this matter, is the way we are handling it at our work. So how is your culture in Your Company - are you ready to tackle difficult situations at work? Or do you prefer not to talk about the difficult emotions with your employees?

Here are my arguments for taking emotions at work very seriously, and why you should do so:

If we do not take care of each other during the covid-19 - then when?? We have to put ourselves into the other person's situation; there might be illness in the family or loss we don't know about. So why should we not be interested in knowing how to support you??

Why not let Empathy be the new strategy in your company with a lot of care?

The ability to empathize with other people is key to our success as working professionals and human beings - even in workplaces.

In the age of the coronavirus, most of us are hidden behind face masks, empathizing with each other has become more difficult.

How do we empathize in this environment, when we're exhausted, remote, where many are suffering?

Bringing in Emotions At Work could be the answer, it could bring up to others good things, as well. Without conceptualizing it too much, it could look like this:

If allow emotions be part of our reflection that we share to build up a new & better culture, it could end up giving space to what we try to keep inside and hold back; we give space to our new way of working - with emotions, as a natural part of who we are, as human beings.

I believe the foundation of such a culture must be built on 3 core elements: Respect, Trust & Vulnerability. As humans, we need to feel safe, and far away from unexpected attacks.

Respect:

At its core, empathy is all about showing respect for other people. It is not about if we agree with that person, but empathy allows us to strive to hear them and see them for who they are and honor what they might be feeling or experiencing. Also, it should come as no surprise that showing respect is one of the most important things you can do in a work environment. The consequences of not being respectful to others are obvious: Everyone suffers and the quality of the work goes down and the employees lack engagement. It also shows division throughout the workplace and people are less loyal.

Trust:

To build up trust you have to be present & aware; being among your employees, and listen! It is natural for humans to show our feelings; we can be sad, afraid, or have pain in the body. All these signals are signs, that you, as their leader should take seriously and in account.

Reflect on others' emotions as if they were telling you why they feel bad, ask them: "What will be the best solution for you, at this moment"? Know how you can support them.

Ask them to let you know about their weight on their shoulders, and how you can make life easier for them. Maybe it is easy for you to help and it will make their life much better.

Learning to build up trust, leaders get the knowledge in how to prevent the big and difficult emotions, in the future - so listen with empathy to understand your employee, it is not that difficult. It actually only shows that you are a human too, and are building trust.

Vulnerability:

If we want other people to open up to their deep emotions, we have to do the same. Yet, it also may lead to seeing other people sad, afraid or anxious we get affected, as well.

This is the part of it, that is crucial - we have to show our emotions, as leaders!! Otherwise, it is difficult to gain Trust & Respect; we have to be real and standing strong in ourselves.

For some covid has been a period of well-being, and for others, it has been a time of pandemic, fear, and anxiety; so we are all individuals, trying to survive with what we have.

And as leaders, we have to see through this, and understand the feeling behind & help the person reacting in maybe not so constructive ways; while you remain your focus.

Creating a Culture of Empathy it takes to stand honest and strong, as human beings. Talk about issues that are not usually discussed at workplaces - this will give you credit, as a leader. Make space for feelings that are everywhere, anyway.

When you start to open up yourself, as a leader - you are creating a path for others to follow. It will bring a much easier approach to your work, how you work and the results you create.

I hope you will go for the 3 Values in this text: Respect, Trust & Vulnerability as the guidelines to how to take the first steps together; it is a common culture that each of you will create, along the way - it is an approach of learning as you go and learning all the time.

I would like to know how you deal with emotions in your company, and if these ideas might help some of the leaders that you know are struggling during these difficult times.

Wish you a Happy Work Helle