Lead with Empathy: Supporting Your Team Through Challenges

Lead with Empathy: Supporting Your Team Through Challenges

Renee Thompson DNP, RN, FAAN, Workplace Bullying Expert Renee Thompson DNP, RN, FAAN, Workplace Bullying Expert

Renee Thompson DNP, RN, FAAN, Workplace Bullying Expert

CEO & Founder at Healthy Workforce Institute | Equipping healthcare leaders with the skills and tools they need to eradicate bullying & incivility in their organization | Free tools at HealthyWorkforceInstitute.com

发布日期: 2025年1月21日
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Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing your team you’re there for them, no matter what. Empathy is the cornerstone of effective leadership, especially in healthcare’s high-stress environment.

Here are three ways to lead with empathy this week:

  1. Ask the Right Questions During one-on-ones, go beyond work tasks. Ask, “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?” or “How can I support you better?” Show that you care about them as people, not just employees.
  2. Be Present When your team shares concerns, listen fully. Put down your phone, make eye contact, and resist the urge to solve everything immediately. Sometimes, they just need to feel heard.
  3. Acknowledge Struggles Don’t dismiss stress or frustrations. Say, “I know this is hard, and I appreciate everything you’re doing to keep going. Let’s tackle this together.”

Empathy doesn’t weaken your leadership—it strengthens it. When your team knows you care, they’ll rise to meet challenges with resilience and trust.

Let’s lead with heart, because that’s what healthcare needs most.

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Susan Kinnebrew

Director of Family Support Services at WOLFSON CHILDRENS HOSPITAL OF JACKSONVILLE INC

1 个月

I couldn’t agree more. Being empathetic allows you to better understand their perspective and builds trust!

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Luanne Smedley MHA, BSN, RN

Executive Director & Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Stanford Children's Health | Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford

1 个月

Thank you Renee Thompson DNP, RN, FAAN, Workplace Bullying Expert for this article....It was exactly what I needed today! You are the best!

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Sharon (M.) Weinstein, MS, RN, CRNI-R?, CSP?,CVP, FACW, FAAN

Global Keynote Speaker ? CSP ? ? TEDx Speaker (Nov 3, 2025) ? Diagnostic Design Thinking ? HBA ? ANA Innovation ? Infusing Health and Reducing Stress in the Workforce and Workplace ? Best Selling Author ? Sharecare

1 个月

Renee Thompson DNP, RN, FAAN, Workplace Bullying Expert, these are challenging times. I love your post, and I'd like to add - Supporting your healthcare team through uncertainty requires empathy, clear communication, and practical strategies to foster resilience and trust. Here are actionable ways to help: 1. Communicate Transparently 2. Prioritize Well-being 3. Cultivate a Safe Space 4. Be Flexible and Adaptable 5. Strengthen Team Unity 6. Lead by Example By fostering connection, clarity, and care, you can guide your healthcare team through uncertainty and build a culture that thrives even in challenging times.

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Vivekananda G.

A creative professional, planner, strategist, implementer in establishing & managing entire organization in large corporate sector and startups. Also devoted to the welfare of children- physical & emotional, - worldwide.

1 个月

Very informative

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shari Washington

Experienced Academic Nurse Educator & Professional Development Specialist; Nurse Leader; Provider of Alternative Healthcare modalities. Passionate about education and finding modalities that are just right for you!

1 个月

Thank you, Renee, for your insights on this topic. Empathy is essential (and always has been) in our arena because we are dealing with humans at their most vulnerable AND because we, staff members, are humans all dealing with our own traumas and issues. It is impossible to pour out of an empty cup.

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