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In times of rapid change, having a leader who genuinely cares about your whole self – not just you as an employee – makes an immense difference in an employee’s ability to show up as their authentic selves and focus on the next right thing. I have seen firsthand the value of having leaders who embody an empathetic approach and the radical transformation it can have on the organizational culture.
Empathy in the Workplace
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It involves active listening and truly putting yourself in someone else’s shoes even if you have not been in their situation before. Unlike sympathy, empathy suspends judgment and does not come from a place of pity or feeling sorry for the other person’s situation. Empathy breeds more connection, fosters inclusion, invites candor, supports higher productivity, and builds trust. Leading with empathy doesn’t mean a lack of standards – leaders still need to maintain appropriate boundaries and hold employees accountable.
I have seen firsthand the value of having leaders who embody an empathetic approach and the radical transformation it can have on the organizational culture
Tips for Practicing Empathy
While some may be more naturally empathetic than others, empathy is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. The following are some tips for becoming more empathetic:
● Talk to people from a place of genuine curiosity – engage in conversations with a wide range of people with diverse backgrounds, religious views, political views, and life experiences
● Practice active listening – be fully engaged while the other person is speaking instead of listening to respond • Ask questions – open-ended questions provide more opportunities for sharing and learning
● Read more books – reading from different character perspectives helps you to see things from alternative viewpoints
● Examine your bias – question your assumptions and judgments
● Step out of your comfort zone – learn something new or travel
● Solicit feedback – ask trusted friends, family, and colleagues for feedback on your relationship skills and active listening so you can identify opportunities for continued growth and development
Fostering an Empathetic Culture
As HR professionals, we can help empower managers with tools and training to effectively lead with empathy and develop formal mentor programs to provide an extension of support for employees. At the Hertz Corporation, we have developed a series of internal facilitated trainings on Leading with Effective Communication, Leading with Empathy, Emotional Resilience & EQ, and more that provide strategies for finding common ground, navigating difficult conversations, and establishing trust. We have also launched mentorship programs, including a women’s mentorship program as well as several functional mentorship programs, to help provide another source of empathetic connection and alternative perspectives for our future leaders in shaping their growth and development.
Jen is currently Senior Director Human Resources at The Hertz Corporation, one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies globally, headquartered in Southwest Florida. Jen has been with Hertz for nearly 8 years in progressive HR roles and currently leads a team of HR Business Partners who support the global corporate functions, as well as corporate leadership and development programs. With over 100 years of history, the storied Hertz brand is known for innovation and exemplary customer experiences. The Hertz Corporation operates several brands, including Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty in over 150 countries.
