Can we talk for a moment about being an empathetic leader?

When someone tells you something that’s bothering them, empathy is not:
- trying to identify with them by sharing your own story.
- telling them they don’t have it so bad (implied: because you’ve seen worse).
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If you’re an Army leader, and a junior leader or team member comes to you with an issue or problem, you can demonstrate that you’re an empathetic leader if you:
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a. Listen.

- Don’t start thinking about how their situation resembles yours.
- Don’t ready your response.
- Don’t interrupt.
- Don’t get distracted.

- Sit there and breathe.
- Focus.
- Listen.
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b. Say “thank you” for bringing the issue or problem to your attention.

- Be grateful someone trusts you.
- Be appreciative someone is choosing to be vulnerable with you.
- Be respectful. You may not think it’s a problem, but they do.
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c. Ensure they’re OK.

Depending on how serious the issue is, ask:
- Do you feel safe?
- Are you OK?
- How are you feeling about this?

Don’t say, “I know exactly what you’re going through.” Even if you think you do, you’re probably wrong. And who cares? It’s not about you.
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d. IF you are uniquely qualified or in a position to solve the problem, then create a system or policy to prevent it from recurring.

If you’re not, ask how you can help. Be prepared to use your position to get your team member the help they need - if they want it.
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That’s it. Being an empathetic leader is not hard, but it takes practice.

Listen first. Be appreciative & care. Try to solve last.

We can do better.

Anyone want to add anything?
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