How to Foster Excellence Through Empathy

I love to make up words that fill in the gaps in the English language. Even though our dictionary has more than 200,000 words, it’s not enough. I love my wife. I love hot dogs. We need more words for love. So I’m working on my own dictionary. Sometimes I modify an existing word or couple two existing words to create a third meaning. For example: Ø Prosilience: Prospective resilience, developing mental toughness before being called upon to need it. Ø Focish: Focusing on what’s important and finishing what you start. Ø Nedlog Rule: The Golden Rule in reverse – anything you would be willing to do for someone else if they asked you, be willing to ask for that same help if you need it. Ø ExGen: Being extravagantly generous in small ways. Today I’m working on a new word: Teampathy. We’ve all heard and used the word teamwork – to work together as a team. Teampathy means fostering empathy within the team. It is an essential complement to team work. According to Gallup, one of the best predictors of employee engagement is having good friends at work. One of the vital catalysts of friendship is mutual empathy. Working together (teamwork) will help the organization hit targets and achieve goals, but it will not in itself foster meaningful friendships. That requires Teampathy. Especially today when burnout, moral distress, and the emotional drain of social and political polarization can be so wearing, leaders need to consciously promote a spirit of mutual empathy. Here are three practical suggestions for fostering Teampathy. Suggestion #1: Increase cultural intolerance for toxic emotional negativity. Bullying, rumor-mongering, and belittling criticism are dispiriting and demoralizing and contribute to a culture of distrust and “not my job” apathy. Download the free DIY Implementation Guide at www.PicklePledge.com to share The Pickle Pledge and the Pickle Challenge for Charity with your team. This is the most powerful and effective tool I have for raising awareness of and intolerance for chronic complaining, pessimism, and learned helplessness. Suggestion #2: Encourage peer-to-peer recognition, gratitude, and encouragement. The DAISY Foundation, Wambi, and NDORSE are platforms that make it easy for people to appreciate their colleagues. Suggestion #3: Make better use of daily team huddles (or start doing them if you are not already). Encourage people to share personal stories, publicly recognize a coworker, or ask for support. Do something fun. Get people to laugh (you don’t need to be a comedian to tap into the power of laughter – google Laughter Yoga). Working on Teampathy might do more for teamwork in your organization than working on teamwork will do.

Empathy at work is non-negotiable for an effective business. Why? Well, a few reasons... → It shows people they’re more than their jobs → It connects different people, different ideas → It turns a team into a tight-knit community When you get where someone’s coming from? They feel valued. And that changes everything. Take our company, Brass Synergy, for example— When looking for our Chief Community Officer & Lead Bot Developer… I spoke with over 100 community managers— Many extremely talented and experienced. Yet… James was the one. He wasn’t just good at his job — he understood people and saw them as long-term partners… As people with dreams and potential. He also has a way of making anyone a true believer— Turning those barely connected to a project into loyal supporters. I shared our long-term vision, even our tight funds. And to show dedication, I offered a small equity to his team… His response? "A small share for my team means more than money to me. It shows belief, trust, and a shared future." Just like that, two days later, we were all in. This story isn’t about a good hire— It’s about how empathy creates a workplace culture people WANT to be a part of. → Seeing beyond immediate needs → Making deals where everyone wins That’s where the magic happens. Empathy is more than a soft skill— It’s an asset that can turn a group of people into a solid, winning team. So, next time you’re in a team meeting or planning a project… Try this: Listen more. Understand more. Empathize more. Your team will thank you for it… And the results will speak for themselves.

I ask myself now: If I knew this person was going through __________, would I react differently in the workplace? Fill in the blank. Their wedding? A parent dying? Bad medical news? When you spend 52 weeks a year for multiple years interacting with people in the workplace, it's inevitable that individuals will experience rough days and major life events. To be the best collaborator and the most understanding human you can be, it might be necessary to alter your approach to handling these situations. We stumble, misjudge situations, and often overlook the heartfelt stories lurking just beneath the surface. Nobody's perfect; we all have our off days, weeks, or even months. It's crucial to acknowledge this reality in the workplace as well. The most valuable lesson I've learned in the corporate world is straightforward: empathy. Consider this: we spend the majority of our time at work, sometimes even more than we do with our close family or friends. This represents a significant portion of our lives. Personal life events, such as family losses, rough breakups, or disagreements at home, inevitably influence our actions in the office. It's unrealistic to expect colleagues, bosses, and team members not to bring these experiences with them when they walk through the office door. HR might suggest "leaving your baggage at the door," but we are not robots. If a usually upbeat colleague seems a bit down or is underperforming, extend them some grace. If it concerns a teammate, step in to assist when appropriate. You might even take a moment to check in and see if they're okay. It's all about recognizing and valuing each other as humans who have lives outside the office walls. I realized that, for a long period, I was overly focused on my performance at work—striving to excel, maintain sharpness, and be the best in my role. During that time, I may not have fully acknowledged that people are just that—people, not machines. Striving for perfection at work is both unrealistic and unnecessary, just as it is in personal life. I would expect empathy from other people and I should give people the same. It seems simple, but it was a major moment for me. This week, if you notice someone struggling, show them some empathy.

In the journey of both an executive and a caregiver, I’ve discovered the profound impact empathy has on leadership. As someone who supports my husband through his battle with brain cancer, the experiences of empathy I’ve gained have been invaluable, both at home and in the workplace. Here are top three reasons why empathy in leadership is critical: 1. Building Trust and Safety: Empathy allows us to create environments where our colleagues feel seen, heard, and valued. This is not just about professional achievements but about acknowledging the personal challenges and hurdles each one faces. As I navigate my husband’s health journey, I understand more deeply than ever that everyone has their battles, seen or unseen. An empathetic leader fosters trust and a sense of safety, encouraging team members to bring their whole selves to work. 2. Enhancing Communication: Empathy improves our ability to communicate effectively. It teaches us to listen with the intent to understand, not just to respond. In my dual role, listening to my husband and understanding his needs and limitations without judgment has been crucial. This skill translates directly into the workplace, where empathetic listening can uncover underlying challenges and opportunities, leading to more meaningful and productive conversations. 3. Driving Innovation and Engagement: Empathy encourages a culture where diverse perspectives are celebrated and where everyone feels empowered to share their ideas. This inclusivity leads to innovation, as diverse thoughts and experiences come together to solve problems in new ways. In my personal life, adapting to my husband’s changing needs has required creativity, flexibility, agility and adaptability - qualities that are equally valuable in a business context, driving engagement and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. As leaders, embracing empathy isn’t just about being kind; it’s a strategic imperative that can lead to more resilient, innovative, and cohesive teams. It’s about understanding that behind every role, there is a human facing their own set of challenges. Navigating the path of caregiving has deepened my conviction that empathy lies at the heart of transformative leadership. The essence of my message is this: embody empathy in your leadership, starting now, from wherever you stand. Titles, ranks, or formal authorization are unnecessary to embrace and enact empathetic leadership. It is through empathy, coupled with a profound appreciation for our shared human experience, that we unlock the true potential for success. Pledge to lead with empathy, understanding, and compassion, acknowledging that it is our collective humanity that propels us forward. #Leadership #Empathy #Innovation #Trust #Communication

Empathy in Leadership. The role of empathy in building resilient teams. In my journey from the US Army to entrepreneurship, one lesson stands out: the power of empathy in leadership. Whether managing projects or guiding my family as a single father, I've seen firsthand how empathy fosters resilience. Empathy isn’t about having all the answers; it's about understanding, listening, and being present. It’s the foundation for building a supportive environment where every team member feels valued and heard. Here are three quick tips to cultivate empathy and resilience in your teams: ☝🏼1. Regular Check-Ins: Make them personal. Ask how your team is doing, beyond just work. ✌🏼2. Promote Openness: Share your challenges. It creates a safe space for others to do the same. 🤟3. Encourage Support: Highlight resources and encourage team members to look out for one another. Leadership is not just guiding teams to meet business objectives; it's about ensuring the journey is humane, supportive, and inclusive. Lead with empathy and watch our teams thrive! - Your thoughts? - How do you foster empathy and resilience in your team? #leadershipdevelopment #success #team

Have you ever wondered why some leaders excel in building strong relationships while others struggle? Dale Carnegie's timeless wisdom, 'Success in dealing with people depends on a sympathetic grasp of the other person's viewpoint,' holds the key. In my journey with Dale Carnegie Training, I've seen firsthand how empathy transforms leadership. Here are three ways to harness this power: Active Listening: Truly understanding others starts with listening, not just hearing. It's about engaging with their concerns and aspirations, creating a foundation for trust and mutual respect. Emotional Intelligence: Leaders who are in tune with their own emotions can better navigate the feelings of others. This awareness is crucial in managing team dynamics and fostering a positive work environment. Adaptable Communication: Tailoring your communication style to meet others where they are can bridge gaps and build stronger connections. It's not about changing your message but about delivering it in a way that resonates. Empathy in leadership isn't just a soft skill; it's a strategic tool that drives collaboration, innovation, and loyalty. That's why I'm excited to share Take Command, a new resource that can help you develop a more empathetic and effective approach to dealing with people. Think of a time when empathy made a difference in your professional interactions. How did understanding another's viewpoint change the outcome? Share your experiences below!

Before I knew the power of putting myself in an employee's shoes, I would stress about these 5 things: 1. High turnover rates. 2. Poor employee engagement. 3. Lack of team cohesion. 4. Ineffective communication. 5. Low job satisfaction. As I reflect, these 3 lifelong career habits killed the anxiety and boosted my development: (1) Empathy in Action - I began conducting regular one-on-one meetings. - It led to a deeper understanding of individual needs. - I started getting recognized for nurturing a supportive culture. (2) Transparent Leadership - I began sharing company goals and challenges openly. - It led to a more engaged and committed team. - I started getting recognized for fostering trust and transparency. (3) Continuous Learning - I began investing in professional development for my team and myself. - It led to innovation and efficiency improvements. - I started getting recognized for driving growth and excellence. From stressed to strategic. My name is Brad and I’m the Owner’s HR Advisor. What else do you want to know? Drop it in the comments. #humanresources #talentexperience #hradvisor #culture ___ Please ♻️ if you found this interesting.