What are some practical ways to develop and strengthen empathy skills as a leader?

Empathy: The Leadership Superpower You Can Develop

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, empathy has emerged as a critical leadership skill.

According to a recent study by Businessolver, 93% of employees say they’re more likely to stay with an empathetic employer, while 82% would consider leaving their job for a more empathetic organization. But how can leaders actively cultivate this essential trait?

To answer this pressing question, we’ve gathered insights from industry experts on practical ways to develop and strengthen empathy skills as a leader. Our first contributor, Daniel Murray, is a renowned leadership coach and bestselling author known for his innovative approaches to emotional intelligence in the workplace.

Let’s explore Daniel’s expert advice on honing your empathy as a leader and unlocking its transformative potential for your team and organization.

Daniel Murray

Daniel Murray, Australia’s leading authority on Strategic Empathy and CEO of Empathic Consulting, offers practical ways to develop and strengthen empathy skills as a leader. Murray emphasizes the importance of being “consciously curious” and taking the time to question one’s assumptions and biases

To develop empathy as a leader:

1. Practice conscious curiosity
2. Pause and reflect on your assumptions
3. Ask yourself, “What if I’m wrong?”
4. Consider alternative perspectives
5. Challenge your own biases

Murray states, “What we don’t do enough is really ask ourselves the questions. What if I’m wrong? What else might be true? Why would someone else believe something different?” This approach helps leaders avoid making quick assumptions and fosters a deeper understanding of their team members.

Empathetic leadership is crucial for employee retention and engagement. Murray explains, “Empathy and leadership is about creating that relationship with my people where they know that I understand them, I get them, I see them, and I’m there for them.” By providing a sense of safety and certainty during times of change, leaders can build trust and drive discretionary effort from their employees.

As we explore empathy in leadership, other experts may offer additional insights. The key takeaway is clear: developing empathy as a leader requires a conscious effort to question assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, and create strong, supportive relationships with team members.