The ability to connect with others is an essential skill in managing a small business.

Empathy can help to define your workplace culture, guide smart hiring decisions, promote strong employee retention, enhance teamwork, improve customer satisfaction and much more. It’s an important leadership skill that every business owner, manager and supervisor should understand and practice.

The simple definition of empathy in leadership is understanding others’ emotions, needs and thoughts. It is defined by the ability to be compassionate and to connect with others. Basically, it is showing respect, support and understanding of the perspectives of your employees, customers and others. In the workplace this may be as simple as being considerate of others’ opinions, allowing and respecting equal participation in group conversations, giving others your full attention and not rushing to judgement.

Empathy in the workplace can help in many ways including:

• Conflict resolution by creating a safe space which allows you to understand others’ viewpoints and to help with problem solving. By promoting empathy, people feel safe and that they will be heard in telling you their issues or problems.
• Positive work environment as open communication drives innovation and productivity. When people feel heard and safe, they are more likely to work hard.
• Employee retention because they feel heard and respected, which in turn creates loyalty, trust and a sense of belonging This can save your business time and money, as new hiring and training is a costly procedure.
• Team collaboration in which employees feel free to express their ideas without fear of humiliation or negativity. This can be especially important for remote workers. It allows your employees to feel supported and understood.
• Customer satisfaction as they feel understood, respected and that their business is valued. It also sends the message that you are committed to helping them.

Workplaces are diverse spaces. There are many differences between people due to their upbringing, culture, personal proclivities and more. As an empathic leader, you can help foster a company culture that promotes inclusivity and allows for different perspectives. This culture will help you, as well as your employees, to navigate any conflicts that may arise.

There are many proven ways to develop leadership empathy. Though it is a process and may take some time, it’s an important skill set for any leader. To practice empathic leadership, start by being honest with yourself and becoming aware of your emotions, prejudices and behaviors. You must accept the process of self-reflection and be willing to grow as a person and as a leader. This will allow you to recognize and manage your emotions, as well as improve your ability to connect with others. The emotional connections you form with employees will build trust, creating a culture where inspiration is free to flourish.

When you make the effort and commitment, you will reap the benefits. Incorporating genuine interest and concern for your employees and others’ well-being not only improves their overall happiness, but also benefits your organization by creating a culture of support and innovation.

Timothy A Dimoff, CPP, Founder and President of SACS Consulting and Training Center, is a nationally recognized expert in corporate security and HR issues, with over 40 years of experience in workplace security, labor and human resource consulting to corporations, associations, religious entities, educational facilities, non-profit organizations and others.  He consults, trains and develops solutions for workplace issues including substance abuse, management training, sexual harassment, documentation procedures, liability reduction, hiring/firing, pre-employment screening, employee motivation, workplace violence, bullying, corporate investigations, internal theft, security analysis/vulnerability assessment and security measures. He provides commentary and profiling analysis for television, radio and print media worldwide.

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