It's Friday and time to reach back to the vault of the more than 1200 posts here at the Teams365 blog. Today I chose to focus on the skill of empathy and am reaching back to Teams365 #812. Empathy is a core skill for all leaders, and also team members. Lately I have been undertaking many programs with teams and this topic has emerged as a growth area for most professionals. Here's what I wrote about Empathy, which was part of last year's series on the a-z of Virtual and Remote Team Leadership.
We are continuing with our a-z of Virtual and Remote Team Leadership. If you missed the first few you can catch up here. As we think about core "Essentials" for Virtual and Remote Team Leaders when we get to E what jumped into mind for me were two critical sets of skills - Empathy, and the larger area of Emotional Intelligence.
Empathy is a key skill for team leaders today, especially if we are working remote and may not be present every day. It is important to recognize that the touchpoints you have with each person may seem augmented/expanded as they do not see you every day.
To empathize is to listen, and to be present for your team members. Notice your own defaults in terms of how you are available to different team members in different locations. To empathize does not always mean to agree or to solve a problem. Many times remote team members want to know that leaders are their and can hear their concerns. Asking remote team members questions which probe into their needs (is it to listen? Problem solve together? Brainstorm? Come up with options) and their recommendations is important.
Sometimes team members just need to talk through issues. In moving to a culture where team members are empowered, virtual team leaders must hone their skills in listening and asking questions. Questions should not be geared to immediately problem solve (for the leaders part) but rather to help the employee who is on the ground problem solve This may be done by asking question which help to expand awareness, challenge assumptions, make connections or facilitate action.
Another series of skills which are critical to virtual team leader success is in the area of Emotional Intelligence. In general, EI consists of more than twenty skills in the areas of relationship awareness, relationship management, self-awareness, and self-management. These skills range from optimism, to team leadership etc. Take a look at past posts around Emotional Intelligence
Questions to consider:
How empathetic are you?
How empathetic do your staff perceive you to be?
In upcoming conversations notice how present you are and what questions you are using to help boost awareness, and action on the art of your team members.
Take a look at the area of Emotional Intelligence. What skills are you strong in? What could benefit from some attention?
Have a great weekend,
Jennifer
We are continuing with our a-z of Virtual and Remote Team Leadership. If you missed the first few you can catch up here. As we think about core "Essentials" for Virtual and Remote Team Leaders when we get to E what jumped into mind for me were two critical sets of skills - Empathy, and the larger area of Emotional Intelligence.
Empathy is a key skill for team leaders today, especially if we are working remote and may not be present every day. It is important to recognize that the touchpoints you have with each person may seem augmented/expanded as they do not see you every day.
To empathize is to listen, and to be present for your team members. Notice your own defaults in terms of how you are available to different team members in different locations. To empathize does not always mean to agree or to solve a problem. Many times remote team members want to know that leaders are their and can hear their concerns. Asking remote team members questions which probe into their needs (is it to listen? Problem solve together? Brainstorm? Come up with options) and their recommendations is important.
Sometimes team members just need to talk through issues. In moving to a culture where team members are empowered, virtual team leaders must hone their skills in listening and asking questions. Questions should not be geared to immediately problem solve (for the leaders part) but rather to help the employee who is on the ground problem solve This may be done by asking question which help to expand awareness, challenge assumptions, make connections or facilitate action.
Another series of skills which are critical to virtual team leader success is in the area of Emotional Intelligence. In general, EI consists of more than twenty skills in the areas of relationship awareness, relationship management, self-awareness, and self-management. These skills range from optimism, to team leadership etc. Take a look at past posts around Emotional Intelligence
Questions to consider:
How empathetic are you?
How empathetic do your staff perceive you to be?
In upcoming conversations notice how present you are and what questions you are using to help boost awareness, and action on the art of your team members.
Take a look at the area of Emotional Intelligence. What skills are you strong in? What could benefit from some attention?
Have a great weekend,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats.
Follow us on Twitter @Teams365
Phone: (416)996-8326
Connect with us to be the first to know more about launch events around my newest book - Effective Virtual Conversations - coming out mid-July.re to edit.
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats.
Follow us on Twitter @Teams365
Phone: (416)996-8326
Connect with us to be the first to know more about launch events around my newest book - Effective Virtual Conversations - coming out mid-July.re to edit.
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