How To Practice Empathy And Boost EQ
The ability to understand another person’s experiences, emotions and point of view is essential for leaders trying to build relationships with colleagues, team members and clients. While demonstrating certain aspects of emotional intelligence may come more naturally to some leaders than others, the ability to empathize with people is a skill that anyone can improve through practice.
Here, our Founder Kathy Shanley joins 16 members of Forbes Coaches Council to share concrete steps leaders can take to boost their level of empathy at work. Their tips below illustrate how taking many small opportunities to practice empathy can add up, helping one connect with others on a more personal level and grow into a more emotionally intelligent and effective leader overall.
“1. Show Enthusiasm For Others’ Experiences
One concrete step to increase empathy is to show genuine enthusiasm for the personal experiences of others. Be intentional about regularly checking in with others to ask how things are going or to ask for their thoughts about a decision. Extend a helping hand. Choose words that reassure them and show you can relate. Doing so helps you appreciate how others feel, building your empathy muscle! ”