The Context

Okay so there are probably a lot more steps than just 3, but I am hoping that these steps that I mention here at least get you there!

So, let me start by sharing why I am writing this article. I have spent working with leaders and for leaders in different organizations, and something I see regularly with all of them is that at some point their anxiety and overthinking begins to influence where the company is heading.

When leaders stop looking around and listening to their teams, that’s when you know that things aren’t going well.

I was watching a YCombinator video about how we should find a burning need and create a product for it. I think that’s very early stage advice.

Once you have a team that is working on the problem, and I mean once you have been at the problem for a while and other people in your team are also trying to solve the problem, then it becomes clear that you also need to solve for your team’s burning needs! Because your team’s burning needs are probably directly going to solve the problem you are working on.

I say probably but I am almost 100% certain that’s the case. And I would like to present a hypothetical argument.

Imagine you made a product so complicated that it takes HOURS if not days to onboard clients. And the product is complicated because the field is complicated. So a lot of your valuable resource (your employee’s time) is spent on helping people onboard.

What then should you be working on? Not the product! You need to create a resource that cuts down on your employee’s time helping people onboard.

That should then free up time for your team to go about doing other things. Like, helping to make the product better! Helping your customers, or helping MORE customers!

And that can only happen when you start listening to the people around you. It’s not all NOISE. I have seen leaders tune out the difficulty faced by their teams because they want to focus. Because they need to think of solutions to help solve the problem.

The Leaders are not always to blame though…

I’m not really blaming them here. Feeling fear and anxiety because something you have built might not do well is…scary. It’s very anxiety inducing. But as leaders one must learn to overcome that noise and focus on what’s important. Focus on helping and serving people. Your products should immediately start looking better!

So here are some steps I think you can take.

1. Listening with More than Just Your Ears

So, here’s the thing about active listening – it’s an art. It’s not just about catching words as they come at you. It’s about really getting into the groove of what’s being said. I stumbled upon some gems from Non-Violent Communication, and boy, have they been eye-openers:

• Echoing Back: This one’s simple yet profound. When someone spills their thoughts, try playing it back in your own words. It’s like saying, “Hey, I’m here, I’m with you.” If they give you the nod, you’ve nailed it. If not, it’s time to dive deeper. Trust me, it’s a real conversation-changer.
• The Magic of Open-Ended Questions: These are the questions that get people talking, really talking. They’re not about yes or no; they’re about opening a window to someone’s soul.
• Being There, Fully: This is all about your vibe – your nods, your eye contact, your whole presence. It’s about showing you’re not just physically there, but mentally and emotionally too.

Give It a Go: Grab someone you vibe with and have a heart-to-heart. Use these active listening tricks and watch the magic happen.

2. Stepping into Their Shoes

Empathy in leading folks is like taking a walk in their world. It’s about feeling their bumps and bruises, their highs and lows. Make it a point to really check in with your team. And when you do, listen. Like, really listen. It’s amazing what you can learn when you open your heart.

3. Action Speaks Louder

Once you’ve got the lowdown on what’s up with your team, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Taking action based on what you’ve learned can do wonders. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone – boosting morale and getting things moving smoother.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you go. Being an empathetic leader? It’s all about lending an ear and acting on what you hear. It’s a journey, sure, but it’s one worth taking. Try out these tips, and who knows? You might just see a whole new side to your team and yourself.

Catch you later, and remember, you’ve totally got this!