Research shows a positive relationship between empathy in the workplace and job performance. In other words: empathetic leaders are seen as better at their jobs by both their superiors and their employees. Empathy is essential in leadership when it comes to a safe work culture and trust in relationships.
Imagine you ask the leaders in your organization. How would they answer these questions?
Have you ever:
understood the words someone said, but weren't sure what they truly meant?
Have you ever felt naturally connected to some people, but not to others?
ever experienced being accused of not ‘hearing’ someone, even when you were listening?
Wished you could communicate in a way that more people would truly understand what you're saying?
been told you lacked empathy?
How well do your leaders truly listen? Do they find it difficult to create a workplace where people feel heard? Can they empathize with others? Are they aware of how their behavior affects others?
Changing our leadership mindset about empathy can truly make a difference. This is the third of eight mindset shifts that can transform the impact of leaders.
Leadership Mindset Shift #3
Empathy begins by meeting people where they are (not where you want them to be)
The Process Communication Model® recognizes six distinct personality types that we all possess. Each personality type has a unique perception, a kind of 'filter' through which they perceive the world. This filter colors how we experience our environment and situations, and how we communicate with others. By observing how people communicate, we can discover these perceptual filters. PCM teaches leaders how to do this.
Every person has one preferred perception. However, everyone can learn to recognize all six, appreciate them, and then improve their empathy skills.
Six perceptions
Through the following six filters, people can experience and interact with the world.
Feelings: This way of perceiving focuses on affirming others, nurturing relationships, and deepening these connections with a personal touch. Typical words and phrases include: 'I feel...', 'I feel comfortable with...', 'I care about...', '...happy', '...sad', 'I love...', and '...close'.
Thoughts: This way of perceiving involves asking questions about data, specific information, and timelines, and sharing that with others. Typical words and phrases include: ‘I think…’ ‘Which options…’ ‘Does that mean…’ ‘Who…’ ‘What…’ ‘When…’ ‘Where… ‘…facts’ ‘…information’ ‘data’ and ‘schedules’.
Reactions (like / dislike): This way of perceiving revolves around having fun, challenging the status quo, and expressing oneself freely. Typical words and phrases include: ‘Wow…’ ‘I like it (or it’s stupid)…’ ‘I don’t like (or: hate)…’ ‘I want…’ ‘I don’t want…’ and ‘That’s great!’ ‘Cool!’ [use of funny words, slang, original expressions].
Inactions (reflections): This way of perceiving involves pausing, reflecting, and exploring possibilities before responding. Typical words and phrases include: 'I imagine...', 'I see...', 'Let me think for a moment...', and 'I am considering...'
Opinions: This way of perceiving focuses on sharing opinions and values, and also asking for them from others. Typical words and phrases include: 'In my opinion...', 'I believe...', 'We should/ought to...', '...respect', '...values', '...admiration', '...commitment', '...dedication', and '...trust'.
Actions: This way of perceiving is about taking action or motivating others to act. Typical words and phrases include: 'Ultimate...', '...spot on', 'Go for it', 'Just do it', and 'Enough talk, action!'
Speaking each other's language
Communication is less about what you say and more about how you say it. You can adjust HOW you convey your message to align with the other person's perception. This shows that you respect and value the other person for who they are. Moreover, there's a greater chance that the other person will respond positively to what you say.
For effective communication, it's important to know that we all perceive the world differently. We should use this knowledge as a guide in our communication with others. – Anthony Robbins
Imagine the impact of perceptions on your communication: better-received emails, memos, internal communications, customer communications, and even crisis communications. All because they are tailored to the right perceptions.
Change your mindset, become a better leader
Learning how to use perceptions to foster greater empathy, trust, and connection is the focus of one of the eight modules in the PCM Leadership Program. In this module, leaders learn how to:
to be able to identify their own communication style;
discover the communication preferences of those around them;
develop more empathy, trust, and connection;
can improve personal and virtual communication skills;
can improve the reach and impact of organizational communication strategies.
Do you want to start strengthening your leadership? Contact us.
