Building Empathy at Work
Empathy is a crucial skill in any workplace, as it allows individuals to understand and connect with their colleagues, clients, and customers on a deeper level. Empathy is the ability to consider the feelings of others, put yourself in their shoes and imagine what they might be going through.
Empathy is arguably the most important aspect of leadership, so it’s no surprise that developing empathy at work can lead to better communication, increased productivity, and a more positive work environment.
In this blog post, we will explore some ways to work on your empathic approach in the workplace
1.Listen actively
Active listening is an essential component of empathy. Active listening is giving your full attention to the person speaking, without interrupting or judging them. Which means putting your phone down, moving away from any distractions and not thinking about what you’re going to say next, but simply listen.
It might be helpful to practice being an active listener by focusing on the speaker's words, tone, and body language. You could demonstrate listening skills by asking open-ended questions to clarify and understand their perspective better. Such as when, how, what questions. Paraphrasing back to the person by repeating what they said, in your own words, to ensure you've understood their message accurately, can also be a helpful skill to master.
2. Practice perspective-taking
Perspective-taking is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and imagine what they might be feeling or thinking. It's about looking at the situation from their perspective, not just your own. When faced with a challenging situation or conflict at work, try to see things from the other person's point of view. Consider how they might be feeling and why they might be reacting the way they are.
3. Show empathy through body language
Non-verbal cues can communicate empathy, such as eye contact (give as much as you get), nodding, and leaning in when someone is speaking. Use open body language to show that you are approachable and receptive to others' thoughts and feelings. Avoid crossing your arms or looking distracted, which can send the wrong message. These non-verbal cues are easy to address when communicating face to face, but remember, we lose these communication signals if we are talking to someone on the phone, via email and even via Zoom.
4. Build relationships
Developing relationships with your colleagues can foster empathy by creating a sense of trust and understanding. Take the time to get to know your coworkers outside of work-related tasks, this can help build relationships on deeper levels as you learn more about the individual. You might discover shared interests, backgrounds, or challenges. Having a personal connection can make it easier to empathise with others when they face difficulties as you may understand a little deeper other things that impact a persons life.
5. Avoid assumptions and stereotypes
Assuming that you know how someone is feeling or thinking can prevent you from truly understanding their perspective. Avoid making assumptions or stereotyping people based on their age, gender, or cultural background. Ask questions and seek to understand their experiences and perspectives. Even saying things like ‘you must feel……….’ can be unhelpful at times. It’s assuming that a person feels a certain way, when they may not.
6. Be mindful of your language
Language can be a powerful tool in demonstrating empathy. Use language that shows you are interested in and care about the other person's feelings. Avoid dismissive or judgmental language, which can make people feel defensive or unheard. Use "I" statements instead of "you" statements when discussing a difficult topic, as they can show that you are taking responsibility for your own feelings and perspective. Avoid the language of ‘You should………’. Again, it’s not helpful to tell someone what they should or shouldn’t do, or how they should or shouldn’t be feeling. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just sit with it and be a listening ear.
7. Practice self-reflection
Engaging in self-reflection plays a pivotal role in developing empathy. It involves examining your personal predispositions and preconceptions and recognising their potential impact on your interactions with others. Dedicate time to reflect on your reactions in challenging scenarios and explore avenues for enhancing your capacity for empathy. It's important to acknowledge that everyone harbours unconscious biases that subtly influence how we collaborate, communicate, and engage with others.
Consider this scenario: If you possess a bias against individuals living with substance use issues, and if you firmly believe that such individuals possess complete control over their choices, your impartiality might be compromised in conversations. Engaging in self-reflection within this context would entail evaluating your beliefs surrounding substance use and then discerning how these beliefs shape your approach to interacting with someone facing these challenges. Gaining insight into your biases can empower you to communicate in a manner that's both empathetic and neutral.
Empathy is a crucial skill in the workplace that can improve communication, productivity, and relationships with colleagues and clients. Developing empathy takes practice and requires active listening, perspective-taking, building relationships, avoiding assumptions, mindful language, seeking feedback, and self-reflection.
Contact Wellbeing Campus today to find out more about delivering an Empathy Building workshop in your workplace.