FROM THE BLOG

The Power of Empathy

Posted by Prospera Financial on March 21, 2023

As Managing Director, Human Resources at Prospera Financial Services, Wendy Simmons is an advocate and consultant for the firm’s hiring and retention best practices.


 

Empathy: the act of looking at a situation from another person’s perspective by imagining what it would be like to be in their shoes.

Empathy allows you to build connections with others and encourages people to go beyond their own experiences. An empathetic leader will consider other’s wants and feelings before making decisions which promotes communication, inspires, and establishes trust.

So ask yourself if you have the three characteristics of an empathetic leader:

  • Am I a good listener? Be attentive and give them your complete attention. Don’t start constructing your response in your mind as that will distract you from active listening.
  • Am I tolerant? Listen without passing judgement. Empathy contains no bias and involves understanding without agreeing or disagreeing.
  • Am I emotionally intelligent? See things as they are and understand yours and others’ emotions deeply

Empathy is a crucial component to enhancing workplace culture because it:

  • Promotes creativity
  • Boosts engagement
  • Improves retention
  • Achieves business results

Empathy comes naturally to some, and for others it is a learned skill. Becoming an empathetic leader includes respecting your team’s personal issues and helping them overcome. It is important to show genuine emotions, including informal regular conversations to learn more about your team- not all conversations should be work related. Be sensitive to signs of burnout, value emotions, and SHOW THEM YOU CARE!

 

All the best,


Wendy Simmons

Managing Director, Human Resources

Posted by Prospera Financial