Active listening also involves showing empathy-putting yourself in the speaker’s shoes and understanding their feelings. This can be done through both verbal and non-verbal cues, such as nodding, maintaining eye contact and acknowledging their emotions. If someone is expressing frustration, respond with empathy by saying, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed. Let’s see how we can alleviate some of that stress.” This may sound unnecessary, but it is your duty as a leader to show empathy. While we entrepreneurs often aim to keep emotions out of work, it's important to remember that employees are human and we don't always provide perfect work environments. A little empathy goes a long way in making up for that.
Empathy not only builds stronger relationships but also develops loyalty, because it shows that you genuinely care about the person’s experience. It helps create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings, which leads to better problem-solving and instils a sense of ownership. Your team will feel like they are part of the business and will want it to succeed just as much as you do. It makes them feel like they’re not just employees, but valued contributors.
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