Every dream depends on talented and creative people to be actualized. For entrepreneurs too, this is no different. No matter their line of business, entrepreneurial eaders typically have two primary goals: to optimise their teams’ performance, and to understand and beat the competition.

In executing and achieving these goals, every entrepreneurial leader must empathise with their team who are pivotal to the leader’s vision. Empathetic leaders make efforts to recognise members’ contributions and make their effort feel valued and understood.

If the success of every business depends on people, then this empathy should be every leader’s most treasured skill, and should extend to customers as well. The following can help optimize productivity and trust among teams in businesses.

Avail yourself to team /client

An entrepreneurial leader will often be confronted by many trying situations – from finance, regulators, and staff to clients. By the nature of their roles, leaders are busy people. They have to ensure that everything runs seamlessly and according to set principles and guidelines. Despite this busy schedule, when your team member or customer is sharing with you their challenges or concerns, be fully present. Do not rush to advise or make conclusions just because you are preparing for the next meeting. Don’t divert your attention to checking your phone or email when your team fully needs your attention. It’s impossible for staff to feel heard or valued if your attention is divided in the conversation. 

 Being empathetic to staff doesn’t mean you will be able to solve every problem presented to you, but it is intended to demonstrate compassion for what others are experiencing. It is fulfilling for staff to know that they have someone to lean on when they have challenges. And that builds trust and loyalty to the leader and company.

Engage in Active Listening

Every situation presents different challenges and requires unique solutions or advise. Just as in marketing, every sales pitch is different, the same applies to interacting with your employees. Empathy dictates that you engage in active listening to understand. When you fully understand, it is then possible for you to offer solutions.

If you lack empathy in leadership, it shouldn’t be an obstacle. It is a skill you can learn. All you need is a genuine interest and desire to listen to your people and understand them.

 Recognise and appreciate varying perspectives with compassion 

Employees have different backgrounds. As such, they have a variety of perspectives. A true leader who wants to understand their staff will have to contend with varying perspectives. You may not agree with some views from your staff, but other views cannot be ignored.

Never assume that everyone shares your ideas in the business. Effective leaders or entrepreneurs do not surround themselves with only like-minded people. They embrace the views of people from both “the red and blue units of the same team”. Failing to listen to your employees and customers will automatically lead to poor business decisions and disengaged stakeholders. Try as much as possible to maintain a connection with the people around you.

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