Our monthly round up for people professionals
Why empathy is more than just a feeling
At Voco, we’re big on empathy. We know how important it is not just to get along with your colleagues, but to seek to understand their motivations and frustrations too. Extending empathy towards the people we work with is an infectious act of generosity that can have a hugely positive effect on organisational culture.
But empathy isn’t a given; we don’t all have the same capacity for it and we may feel varying degrees of empathy for different people. Add to these natural distinctions the rise of a more autonomous workforce and it’s clear that there’s never been a more critical time to give people the opportunity to put empathy into practice. We need to start seeing empathy as a skill that can be honed, rather than simply a feeling that develops dependent on personality and proximity.
We think that the very best way to foster a more empathetic culture is to create connections across organisational boundaries; encouraging people to?practice listening to?and?sharing feedback?with each other. Because who wouldn’t want to feel better understood and more supported by their colleagues?
More on empathy?>>
- - -
Get yourself some Peer Power!
In case you missed it, we recently published our?Peer Power?insight report. We’ve trawled through the research so you don’t have to and cherry picked the best bits to showcase just how impactful peer relationships at work can be and what you can do to leverage them -?spoiler alert: it involves Voco! Download Peer Power here >>
Each month we ask a professional People person to share their career story so far. This month we’re thrilled to include Laura Friedner, Director of People at the National Theatre.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
To be a?three-day eventer?or to go into the Police. But generally just to be a boss! :)
What's most surprised you about where your career has taken you?
I don’t think I am surprised – I was always an organised leader type growing up and a good people person.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Having a successful career at a senior level and having four kids – that's what I am most proud of. I have always believed women should be able to have it all.
What's the biggest career mistake you have ever made?
It sounds arrogant but I don’t think I have one – all the jobs I have done have given me something that I have learnt from. There was possibly one job at the BBC that was not right for me but it taught me lots about resilience and having difficult conversations!
领英推荐
What's the best bit of career advice you have ever been given?
You don’t always need to know more than the people working for you or be better at the job they do – you are in your role as a leader because you have certain skills. Having people working for you who are better at some or all of the job than you were when you did it should not be a threat – it’s a strength! It was such a release when I made peace with that and gave me the confidence to just get on.
What's the best bit of career advice you have ever given to someone else?
Leave! And I have seen people leave and then come back much better for it…
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop worrying about what people think about you and always ask the question! There will always be someone in the room who was thinking of asking the same thing and you won’t look stupid!
- - -
What we’ve been reading
We’ve rounded up some of the most thoughtful and HR relevant articles for your reading pleasure:
A look at how leaders can put company culture front and centre.
The world needs more desk bombers,?Pilita Clarke, FT
A scathing reaction to the idea that approaching someone’s desk to talk has become an organisational issue.
The non-linear workdays changing the face of productivity,?Alex Christian, BBC Worklife
A look at the experiences and impact of people who manage their work days differently.
- - -
Find out more about how Voco can help you build a connected, inclusive coaching culture in your organisation by booking a demo of our platform today!