The Resources for Humans Virtual Conference, held by Teach Greenhouse, explored the theme of empathetic leadership. It asked the question: do we all possess the capacity to lead with empathy? Over the course of the conference, several key insights were revealed on this topic. In this blog post, we will summarize the six most important insights from the Resources for Humans Virtual Conference.
1. Empathy is a key skill for leadership.
Empathy is considered a critical soft skill that managers need to possess to succeed in leadership roles. A lack of empathy can lead to poor decision-making, a detachment from employees, and a lack of emotional connection with your team. Empathetic leaders are more able to inspire, motivate and retain their employees.
2. Empathy needs to be practiced.
Empathy is not an innate talent but is something that can be developed over time. It requires a deep understanding of oneself and others, active listening skills, and being attuned to the emotions of others.
3. Empathy can be improved through meaningful interactions.
Empathy can be developed through meaningful and authentic interactions with colleagues, coworkers, and peers. Taking the time to listen to their stories and understand their perspective will help you develop your empathy skills, as well as better understand the needs of your team.
4. Empathy is essential for a diverse workforce.
Empathy is particularly important for workplaces that are diverse and inclusive. Being able to understand the unique experiences of different individuals and groups can lead to more inclusive environments and better decision-making when it comes to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
5. Empathy can be difficult in a virtual setting.
With many employees working remotely, it can be challenging to build a connection with your team members. Still, it’s important to make an effort to create an emotional connection with them, whether through virtual team building activities, regular check-ins, or other means.
6. Empathy has become more critical in the wake of the pandemic.
The global pandemic has disrupted workplaces across the world, leading to heightened levels of stress and anxiety for many employees. Leaders who demonstrate empathy and understanding in their interactions with employees and team members will be more likely to retain their team members and build a positive work culture.
To conclude, empathy is an essential skill for leadership, and it is something that can be developed over time. By practicing empathy, leaders not only create more connected and engaged teams but also create a more inclusive and diverse workplace. In the wake of the pandemic, empathy is more critical than ever before, and this conference has been an important reminder of that fact.