The New Connection Hack: Empathy

Have you ever stopped to identify empathy as a major business and personal connection hack?

Ever feel like your life could be a little more?subjective?and a little less?objective?

In many situations, when we get asked “How are you doing?” we default to thinking about the things we’re doing, status on projects, or something more surface level.

Which is why we typically answer with “Fine.” A surface level response.

But the next time we’re asked, or when we ask, “How are you doing?” it’s time to exercise something a little deeper.

In that moment, you’ll experience the magical power of empathy. It’s like being handed a lifeline of genuine human connection amidst a sea of to-do lists.?

Here are some benefits:

1. Empathy turns 'me' into 'we'.?It's the difference between a boss and a leader, a coworker and a friend. When we feel understood, we work better together.?

2. Empathy fuels innovation.?Understanding your team’s challenges and triumphs can spark ideas and solutions that might never surface in a purely task-oriented environment.?

3. Empathy retains talent.?People stay where they feel valued. Your rockstar team members might be less likely to jump ship if they know they’re not just another cog in the machine.?

4. Empathy grows relationships.?When you engage empathy in a client or team member conversation it sounds like “Let’s figure this out” “I’ve got you” and makes everyone feel calmer about whatever is going on. This builds immense trust and vulnerability.

This is also incredibly important in personal connections and relationships as we tend to not focus on those as well.

Here are 10 phrases you can start using to express more empathetic sentiment:

1. I can see that you are upset.

2. This is a really challenging time for you.

3. It’s understandable that you would feel disappointed by this.?

4. From what you have said, it is clear why you’d be angry about that.?

5. I apologize for my actions.?

6. Your anger/ frustration / unhappiness etc makes total sense to me.?

7. I’m sorry to hear that you experienced this.

8. What needs to happen? (shoutout to Laura Gassner Otting)

9. Thank you for telling me this.

10. What has this been like for you?

So next time you're about to dive into a spreadsheet or lead a meeting, take a moment to connect. Ask your teammate how they're really doing. It might just be the best ROI on your time.?

Remember, business isn’t just about numbers; it's about people. And if you can’t measure empathy, it’s probably because it’s?priceless.?

#Empathy #Leadership #Teamwork #EmotionalIntelligence #HumanResources?