Empathy is defined as the ability to identify with the emotional state of others in a way that builds connection, creates safety and enables trust.
Creating safety may sound like an odd concept, but as Simon Sinek explores in his TED Talk ‘Why good leaders make you feel safe’– you can’t just tell people to ‘trust you’ and expect they’ll cooperate. You have to uncover what’s at the root of their concerns and frustrations. This is what separates good leaders from great leaders.
Empathy is redefining the way we lead. To get results with and through others, the best starting point is understanding what they’re thinking and feeling. When you understand what is at the crux of their motivation, you’ll know what you need to do to help them offload the emotion so you can access their higher thinking and tap into their potential.
Empathy isn’t just about feelings, it’s actually a gateway to results.
