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How to be a more empathetic leader

May 17, 2021


Empathy is the ability to understand how other people think and feel in a particular situation – and it’s an important skill for leaders to cultivate. In fact, leadership guru Simon Sinek believes empathy is an essential quality of all great leaders. 

When you’re an empathetic leader, you care about the people in your team as individuals and not just for what they can contribute to your network. You understand that they have pressures and responsibilities outside their work, and you’re committed to helping them work to their full potential. 

When a team member feels heard and valued, they become more loyal to you and to your whole team. Plus, they’re in a far better position to pass on their love of the Jeunesse business to their own customers. But most importantly, they feel happy about working with you – and that happiness is contagious. 

So how do you become a more empathetic leader? It’s not always straightforward, especially when your teams are spread out across the country or even around the globe. It takes time and a commitment to bringing empathy to every interaction you have with each member of your team. 

No matter which level you’re at or what you’re aspiring to, here are 3 simple strategies you can adopt today, to start displaying more empathy in your role as a leader... 

1. Listen carefully
Making someone feel heard and valued begins with careful listening skills. Create an environment where everyone on your team feels comfortable to speak up, ask questions and make suggestions. You can do this by...

●     Thinking about the ways individual team members prefer to communicate with you. Some will love to share their ideas during a team meeting, some will be more comfortable having a one-on-one phone call with you, and others will prefer to put their thoughts and questions in an email. Try to adapt to each person’s preferred style.

●     Listening without distraction so you can focus on what your team members are saying. This means putting away computers and mobiles and giving them your full attention while they speak.

●     Asking questions if you need to. Being a good leader isn’t always about having the answers. Often, it’s just as important to know which questions to ask your team. For example, if someone’s sales are down, instead of offering advice or strategies, you could ask them what kind of help they think they need to start performing at their best again.

2. Be patient
As a leader, it can be tempting to want to rush in to share your knowledge. While you undoubtedly have a lot to give, being an empathetic leader means helping your team to find their own solutions.

Remember that not everyone has the same skills as you. Some people may be faster to learn, some may need more time. Show patience, understanding and support as you guide them towards their goals. Encourage them to move at their own pace and recognise their achievements along the way.

3. Silence is golden
Before you speak, take a moment to think about both what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. Is there a more sensitive way that you can deliver the same information? How can you frame it to help your team feel empowered and motivated?

For example, if a team member is just falling short of moving up a level, you might ask them what help they need to reach their goals and what they think is holding them back.

Empathy isn’t just about being nice to people or doing things you think will please them. It’s about showing genuine compassion and a desire to bring out the best in the people around you.

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