Putting Empathy to Work by Janet Fouts

1 of 10

Slide Notes

Putting Empathy to Work

Published on Aug 21, 2017

Practical empathy training in the workplace. Slides from the "Empathy at Work" workshop, including situational exercises and scripts to use with your team to enhance team dynamics, collaboration, productivity, and happiness at work.

View Outline

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Empathy at Work

Photo by rawpixel.com

EMPATHY

Ability to relate to others
Non-judgmental
Respect for varied opinions
Big picture thinking
Collaboration

Benefits of empathy in a conscious business

Photo by Oliver Quinlan

What does it do for the company?

Leadership
Diversity
Brand identity
Customer service
Sales
Loyalty

A leader who exhibits empathy is more approachable and develops trust in her team, this trickles down to customers and even competitors. When the entire team practices empathy the rewards can be quite significant at work and at home.

Photo by anvosa

What does it do for me?

Increased self-worth
Confidence
Performance
Collaboration
Happiness
Respect for others

When we feel heard, we feel more valuable. When we listen to understand we develop trust and can collaborate more openly. A happy team is good for everyone!

Photo by | Tico | @TicoAlien38Prod

WHAT ABOUT FRIENDS AND FAMILY?

Deeper relationships
Reduced stress
Listening ability
Everybody's happier

Empathy enhances communication and reduces the stress that misunderstandings cause. When we are relaxed, everything is easier, isn't it? See Daniel Siegel's book Brainstorm for great tips on an empathic approach to teeanagers.

Photo by Stuck in Customs

Do the work

Let's talk about some practices we can easily do at work to increase communication and empathy for others.

Photo by judy_and_ed

Situational Exercises

Each of these exercises can be done one on one or with a team. The goal is to develop open communication, trust and, of course, empathy.

Photo by jens johnsson

EXAMPLE SCRIPTS

Scripts are available for the exercises to use when you need them. Practice is key to being able to put these techniques into action when confronted with a situation that triggers you.

Photo by eelke dekker