How empathy could be your superpower, but only if you mean it...

This month we've been helping clients unleash their?Empathy?and use it as a superpower!?Leading with empathy is becoming increasingly important, in fact, according to?Forbes?empathy is no longer a 'nice to have, but a business imperative'.?

“The pandemic has shown us how critical it is for leaders to prioritize empathy and inclusion to improve workplace cultures,” said Lorraine Hariton, President & CEO of Catalyst

Managers are supporting their teams through a wide range of life experiences, from?fertility challenges, miscarriage, menopause, or family leave.?From our research, 80% of Managers don't feel confident having these types of conversations.?Often they don't have lived experience to draw on, and are afraid they say the 'wrong' thing.??

But when they?do?say something, and lead with empathy, research shows that it can?boost?creativity?by 61% and?engagement?by 76%.??EY, in their?Empathy in Business?survey, found that 86% of employees believe empathetic leadership improves?morale?and helps create an?inclusive?environment.

BUT, you've got to mean it.?According to EY, 52% of employees believe their company’s efforts to be empathetic toward employees are dishonest.?So if you're trying to fake it, you may do more harm than good.?

So, how do you do it?

We love David Rock's SCARF model. It provides a simple framework to make sure that we meet the needs that we all have as human beings, and in turn lead with empathy.

Status?- make people feel heard.?Listen?to understand, not to reply. Ask people to share their opinions and ideas.

Certainty?- in today's unpredictable landscape, create clarity about what's happening. Set tangible plans and objectives.?Give reassurance where you can.?

Autonomy?- give a sense of control. Rather than?tell?people what to do, create a plan?together. Ask 'what do you need from me?'

Relatedness?- Share your story. Show some vulnerability and create 'psychological safety'. Psychological safety is when people can share what's going on for them, without fear of being judged or that they'll be thought of differently. In order to get it, you have to give it.

Fairness?- be transparent in your decision-making. People may not always like a decision you've made, but if they understand your reasons, they may be more accepting.

We hope these tips give you some concrete ways in which you can have empathetic conversations whether you're helping a team member navigate some personal challenges, or supporting a member of your family.?