Not everyone is going to think and act like you. It may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many leaders I see who get frustrated when their team members voice different opinions. Empathy is one of the most essential skills of a good leader. Don't confuse empathy with sympathy. Sympathy is sharing the feelings of another. Empathy is seeing and understanding where people are coming from.
Related: 20 Ways to Develop Empathy
A good leader understands that each member of their team will have very different thoughts, ideas, and beliefs about how the world works. That's the beauty of diversity. The role of the leader is to unify a diverse group of people by identifying what motivates them individually, and then combining those individual skills with complementary skills. Below are the top three characteristics of empathetic leaders.
1. They set aside their personal viewpoints.
Empathetic leaders understand that there is no one solution to a problem. They are willing to set aside their own beliefs on a topic and open their minds to another perspective. They are less concerned with being right than with understanding. They listen to understand rather than to respond. They listen with their eyes, ears, instincts and heart. It is not an easy task. The ego is persistent, always lurking just below the surface, ready to pop up when you least expect it.
If you find it difficult to be open to the thoughts and opinions of others, try writing down every perspective on paper. The list will serve as a visual reminder that your option is not always the best, or even the only one.
2. They invest their time in people.
It's not an autocracy. You are not the king or queen of a country. The people who show up every day to work for you bring value to your organization. But that doesn't mean they will follow you blindly. Spend time investing in your team. It could be as simple as monthly team building events. It could be handwritten notes on Friday morning. Whatever you choose, don't just go through the motions. Be curious about your team members. Ask about their background, their families, their dreams. Implement development programs so your team can continue to learn and grow. If you invest in them, they will invest in you.
3. They continue to learn and adapt.
You don't know everything. An empathetic leader understands the importance of being a lifelong student. Challenge your beliefs, assumptions and absolutes. The world changes; be ready to change with it.
Related: Why the empathetic leader is the best leader
This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
