Empathy
The power to appreciate the purposes, worries, and circumstances of others
Leadership without empathy is ill-informed at best and bullying at worst. Empathy is not “soft.” It is courageous, skillful, and wise to quickly comprehend the world of another and all influence depends on it. As you explore the concept of empathy, what questions does it raise or insights does it provoke about your leadership practice?
Practicing Empathy
All people long to be valued and understood. As a leader, it really is your job to care and create that connection with the people with whom you work. Connecting with people unlocks their contribution and paves the way for great work to be done in a vital and engaged community.
Practices
-
Empathy practice #1: An appreciation audit
Get present to people through appreciation, and empathy becomes more easily available.
-
Empathy practice #2: A curiosity challenge
Get curious about the interests of an acquaintance through listening and inviting contribution.
-
Empathy practice #3: A resistance audit
With whom do you experience resistance? Consider their perspective with this audit.
-
Embrace
Students at Stanford’s d.school share more about the role empathy played in the design process for an extraordinary, elegant solution, “Embrace”, that has benefitted over 50,000 premature babies in the developing world.
-
A Quote on Empathy from Al Miksch
A quote that you can use as your desktop background.
-
Presence-Empathy Deep Dive
Where you get resistance, do research—use this tool to reflect and prepare for the next conversation—from a different point of view.