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Before we get into empathy, let’s first understand what leadership means. There is a mystical myth that leadership only comes with a job title. We are all leaders in our own rights and ways, irrespective of our job title or function. According to Simon Sinek, “Leadership is about making people feel safe”. We couldn’t agree more, but how does one do that if they do not have empathy? Let’s first clarify the meaning of empathy. Empathy is being able to truly understand someone’s needs and feelings. Sounds simple, right? It’s not. If it wasn, we would see many leaders, ourselves included provide a different working environment. But back to our question, how does a leader make someone feel safe without empathy? The truth is, they can’t. Simple as that. See how important empathy is already? Without empathy, there is no leadership. People will have their own opinions, but we truly believe that. When someone displays empathy, it has a positive on flow effect on others that surround you. Here are 5 reasons why empathy is the most important skill in leadership.

1. Loyalty & Retention

It’s no secret, the most important asset to any business is the people. And one of the biggest struggles with businesses today is retaining talented staff. We’ve used this quote before in a previous blog, but it’s so accurate we must use it again – “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses”. What do you think happens to staff when leadership doesn’t display empathy? You don’t feel valued or appreciated which results in a lack of motivation, drive, and trust.  Showing empathy will not only increase trust in the workplace but continue and change people’s work ethic. You’ll see a positive change in collaboration and personal relationships within the business. Empathy is a direct impact on retention, we all know it. If we feel valued and appreciated, we are more likely to stay with an organization. That’s why we’re constantly on the search for a better working environment.

2. Happiness in the workplace

This is our favourite. The reason why ConnektUs was founded because of the search for happiness in the workplace. Happiness in the workplace means different things for everyone but the foundation comes from leadership and the way they treat staff. It’s true. Far too often business decisions are made without the care or consideration of the impact on staff. Staff who feel as their voice is being heard and listened to and appreciated are more likely to be satisfied in their job. It’s a rather simple formula that many businesses either don’t understand or wish not to understand. The happier the people, the better the moral, the higher the performance and innovate in the business. The mind is blown! One might ask if it is so simple, why is happiness so hard to execute? Great question. Whilst leadership is about inspiring others to succeed, many still focus on themselves. They worry about reputation and perspective rather than what really matters.

3. Health & Wellbeing

You might be asking yourself, what does people’s health & wellbeing have to do with Empathy? Let’s refer back to some of the points we made in our first two points where we spoke about people feeling valued and cared for. As a leader, you have a direct impact on others, especially those who report to you. We see our colleagues more than our own friends and family. Never underestimate the impact of what happens in the workplace as many people take work home. By showing Empathy; you listen to problems, you understand people’s feelings, you help people succeed and grow. People’s health and welling are not limited to the workplace. I can have an ever-lasting impact.

4. Better Results

This is proven and very self-explanatory. If you provide a comfortable environment for your team where they are taken care of, valued, appreciated, they will deliver better results. And we’re not just talking about statistics here, we’re talking about relationships with customers and colleagues.  The better your staff is treated, the better they will treat your customers. If you’re a leader, you have to ask yourself; are you doing everything in your power to help your team succeed? If you hesitate or don’t know the answer, then the answer is no. Time to think about changes. Ask your team for feedback.

5. Decreases negativity

The more positivity we see and surround ourselves in, the more others around us will adopt the same behaviour. How often do we listen to the news and it’s constantly filled with negativity? Always, right? Our brains are trained to absorb information but taking on the pain is not doing us any good as we reflect it upon others. Showing compassion helps replace bad things with good, but it always takes time. Every action, no matter how big or small has an impact.

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These are just a few important factors when we think about the influence and impact that empathy can have, hence, why it’s the most important trait in leadership. We could talk about it for days, but we’d prefer to talk less and see you in action by displaying empathy any chance and every chance you get in life, whether it’s at work or home.