🎤 + HARPER LEE = YOU NEVER REALLY UNDERSTAND A PERSON UNTIL YOU CONSIDER THEIR POINT OF VIEW…UNTIL YOU CLIMB INSIDE OF HIS SKIN AND WALK AROUND IN IT.
EMPATHY IS CRITICAL IN LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION.
Empathy frequently emerges as a vital element in today’s social media and corporate leadership circles. This idea significantly shapes leadership and communication.
HERE’S WHY THIS MATTERS
Steven Covey, a renowned author, speaker, and international pop-star, emphasized the role of empathy. He stated, “Research convincingly shows that EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is more crucial than IQ in almost every role, particularly leadership positions.”
Despite a significant emphasis on emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership, the absence of these traits in workplace interactions is alarming. For instance, stories reflecting a lack of empathy are so striking that they make “Mad Men” appear progressive. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize the importance of empathy in our professional lives.
While many resources teach how to develop empathy, they often miss a fundamental aspect of nurturing it. Understanding this missing piece can be a game-changer in fostering genuine empathy
🎤 MIC CHECK: EMPATHY IN LEADERSHIP AND LIFE
This week’s Mic Check focuses on a single, crucial strategy. Mixing it with other approaches might lessen its impact on your leadership and life:
❤️ DEVELOP EMPATHY FOR YOURSELF
Remember, you can’t extend what you don’t possess. We often judge, criticize, or belittle others, mirroring how we treat ourselves. If you’re harsh on yourself, noting every mistake, this attitude likely transfers to how you interact with others.
Our critical view of others often stems from our self-criticism. However, self-critique can be beneficial. It’s key to growth, particularly in leadership roles, when done objectively.
🛑 TIME OUT!
Being critical of yourself is actually positive. Regularly evaluating your actions is essential for personal and professional development. But beware, when self-evaluation becomes self-criticism, it harms your confidence.
👎🏽 THE CHALLENGE OF SELF-EMPATHY
Bad News: There’s no easy way to develop self-empathy. No online resource or method offers a universal solution. But there’s always a first step you can take. For me, it involved multiple approaches, from quitting drinking to engaging in emotional intelligence studies and therapy.
Empathy grows uniquely in each person. The critical part is taking that step toward deep, emotional work. This journey helps you understand yourself and cultivate empathy for yourself and others.
🛑 ANOTHER TIME OUT!
Erik, as a speaking and storytelling coach, why focus on self-empathy? Great question! Empathy profoundly influences how we communicate and connect with others.
Keep speaking up your story,
ENCORE: MORE TO EXPLORE
DON’T CRITICISE WHAT YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND
That’s quite the statement, isn’t it? What if we took that philosophy everywhere we went? What if, instead of casting immediate judgment on someone or something we see (and, believe me – there is a LOT to cast judgment on!), we pause and consider whether or not we fully understand the person’s intention, thoughts,, and yes, maybe even pain? Click below to explore this with me!
THEN THERE WAS THE TIME A BUMPER STICKER CHANGED MY VIEW OF EMPATHY…
Wisdom comes in many forms and mediums. I thought I had a good view of empathy until a chance encounter with a bumper sticker left me pondering and reconsidering. Click below to read more about the mindset I learned from a chance encounter, and how I still use the mindset today.
