“Empathy is the answer” is a motto you might see on a t-shirt and it’s an idea that you might associate with those who work in psychology or with the homeless. While all that might be true, the fact is empathy IS the answer even if you’re a high-powered executive. As the COVID-19 pandemic winds down, consider empathy in your business decisions to get your company back on track.
What Is Empathy?
Empathy is understanding the feelings and thoughts of others, as opposed to sympathy which is feeling sorry for someone. Leadership consultant Eyal Gutentag argues that as businesses try to return to normal it is imperative for business leaders to practice empathy, saying “this is a health crisis first and a financial crisis second.” Disregarding the experiences they may have had during the crisis has the potential to break your team apart.Â
How Do You Practice Empathetic Leadership?
First, as Eyal Gutentag mentions, put yourself in the place of your employees. Some people have lost loved ones to the pandemic. Other people may simply be scared, either through a personal high disease risk or even just because of the general anxiety following the pandemic can create. So practicing flexibility becomes important. If people have learned one thing during this crisis it is that work can continue even in unusual circumstances, so forcing bodies back into the office as an arbitrary decision doesn’t make good business sense.
Then, Eyal Gutentag millenial manager, also emphasizes making personal connections with your employees. In order to understand what your employees have been through, to understand their fears, you can make some educated guesses, but it is better to reconnect with each person individually and ask your managers to do the same with their teams. Find out how COVID has changed each life. Has someone lost a mother they relied on for childcare? Is someone else unable to become vaccinated because of other health risks? In return, let each person know how important he is to your company. Eyal Gutentag recommends you explain your vision of each role going forward.
What If You Need Everyone in the Office?
Right now a big part of empathy and flexibility is allowing employees to work remotely until they are comfortable returning to the office. If you feel you need everyone in the office, the first thing is to ask yourself why. The fact is that some leaders feel that they need eyes on employees for productivity, but that mindset is counter to a trusting and productive work environment. Instead, focus on maintaining interactivity through technology. If you’re worried about your team synergy, Eyal Gutentag recommends making working in the office an offer they can’t turn down. Offer free lunches or snacks. Start lunchtime yoga classes. Beyond perks, think about employee comfort. Consider flexible hours where only part of the staff comes in each day, allowing more space for people accustomed to social distancing. Think outside the box when it comes to acclimating your team.
While empathy is a leadership quality often overlooked, trying times ask leaders to dig deeper. Your empathy, flexibility and imagination can create a team that’s stronger than it has ever been before.
