Kathleen Quinn Votaw’s Post

Why is it so hard for professionals to just listen? It all boils down to our understanding of empathy. While 'walking a mile in someone else’s shoes' sounds noble, it's not quite accurate. Perspective-taking often leads to what psychologists call 'perspective mistaking.' We might think we understand, but we're missing the mark. Enter perspective-getting. It's like empathy 2.0, where instead of assuming, we actively listen and ask questions to truly understand. This collaborative approach not only fosters better relationships but also leads to more accurate insights. So, next time you're in a conversation, remember: it's not about telepathy, it's about teamwork. Let's strive for perspective-getting and truly connect with those around us. https://hubs.ly/Q02yWMjm0 #KQVSpeaks, #ListenFirst, #Leadership, #EmpatheticLeadership

Are you listening to respond or listening to gain a new perspective? Empathetic leaders foster genuine connections by asking questions and trying to put themselves in someone else's shoes. Incorporating this approach into your communication style helps uncover your team's true feelings and builds trust, leading to a more transparent and effective conversation. #Leadership #Communication #CompanyCulture

Empathy...one of those sought out soft skills that enables leaders to excel even further... From entry level positions to the C-Suite, often we forget how powerful empathy can be. If you struggle with empathy, try: -Looping to clarify and understand -Clear your mind (so you are not just waiting to respond) -Put your energy in being present -Have a post-convo audit. #mindfulleadership #modernleadership #leadershipcoaching

Empathic listening is a foundational leadership behaviour, critical in driving an inherent culture of inclusion and belonging. Yet, its profound impact is often overlooked or misunderstood. Sharing and listening to each others stories and connecting with others to truly understand their unique views, experiences and feelings are critical building blocks of any inclusive workplace culture. They require daily practice, humility, courage and a level of vulnerability, that enables you to truly "listen", not just to "hear". Sharing this compelling read, focussed on the profound difference between "perspective-taking" and "perspective-getting"; An inclusive and collaborative approach that helps to build connections and drive true understanding! https://lnkd.in/ewitgrDz #inclusivebehaviours #leadershipbehaviours #empathiclistening

I want to build on my empathy theme from last week. What does it mean to be an empathetic leader? For one, it takes listening that goes deeper than surface level. Just like you expect others to actively try and understand your POV, do the same for employees. It's much easier to lead companies when you've connected with the people who keep it running. Empathetic listening builds a stronger culture, which leads to business success. It's good on all levels. #ServantLleadership #Empathy #Leadership

How to become a more empathetic #listener, https://lnkd.in/gwrrRCMu by Jamil Zaki   Here are a few places to start: 1/Try “looping” to #understand. 2/Clear your #mind and reset your goals. 3/Run a post-conversation #audit. #leadership #emotionalintelligence #emotionscientist

The best managers are good listeners, and the best listeners exude empathy. Did you know that empathy is a skill that you can practice and develop? If you're looking to build your empathy muscle, check out these helpful tips from Harvard Business Review. Learn how to become a more empathetic listener and improve your leadership skills. #empathy #leadership #management

"Too often, we treat #empathy as a performance. Trying to show how well we understand people, we end up missing the cues that could help us truly connect". I love the idea of "Perspective-getting" rather than "Perspective-taking" that Jamil Zaki highlights here. After all, you can never fully know what it's like to be in another person's shoes - how you would feel, may be very different from how they do feel! So it's about putting yourself aside so you can really hear their experience. As the author says: "Every conversation is a joint project, done best when we make space to learn from one another." #empathy #listening #activelistening #leadership #connection #belonging https://lnkd.in/ecdbYZ6z

Want to practice greater #empathy? Then, this article by Jamil Zaki is for you. True empathy is not unidirectional or performative. It is builds relationships, deepens understanding among partners, and enhances creativity. Over the years, I've cited Dr. Zaki's work in my own research on empathy and have appreciated that his approach includes the fact that sometimes we don't need to say something profound to be empathic. It's our authentic presence that counts. #leadership #emotionalintelligence #executivecoaching

My leadership style trends toward coaching, and empathetic listening is a big part of that. I need to fully understand where people are coming from to elevate them. You can't get people where they want to go without listening to their perspective. Otherwise, how would you know where to point them? #Leadership #Coaching #EmpatheticListening