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Attract the Right Job Or Clientele:
Are You An Empathetic Leader?
Upon reading the first sentence in an email sent by a gentleman, I know it had me bursting into laughter! His message states that a recent study conducted by the University of Cambridge reveals that women have superior empathy over men.
The laughter was about my question, Why Now?’ spending so many years in the corporate environment. Situations in the corporate arena that could benefit from a dose of empathy (then and now) are non-existent. For the most part, management could care less about employees, especially the females on their teams, which plays into our Blog title, ‘Are you an empathetic leader?’
My Story
What set me back on my heels about the study is the finding that women are far more likely to put themselves in the shoes of others to find agreement. It is a natural talent to which I can testify it’s true. My favorite example that I previously shared is, at age 10, I excitedly went into the neighborhood to sell Girls Scout Cookies. The first prospect was an older woman who provided an immediate ‘no thank you.’ She revealed that the doctor recommended she lose weight.
Putting myself in her shoes, not knowing a thing about formal selling, I stared at her for a few minutes. Seeing I wasn’t about to leave, the woman asked if I had a question. I then asked, ‘Do you have nieces, nephews, or grandchildren? Upon hearing, ‘yes!’ I advanced the question to say, don’t you think they might visit more often if you were to keep sweets in the pantry for them? She took all the boxes I had!
Lessons from the Intuitive
· Listen to ask questions
· Clarify to understand the complete perspective
· Do not allow anger to interfere, but allow it to guide your response with empathic insight
· Smile as you speak and put yourself in the other person’s shoes
· Influence the other party to see the benefit of working with you
Putting Empathy to the Test
As an accomplished sales producer, a new employer offered an insulting salary; I could have polished shoes for the same amount. A woman kindly took me aside to advise that I request 100% commission. It was a huge gamble; I was to help put children through college, so the idea made me nervous, but I went for it! Did it work as it should?
A few months later, the manager said to me angrily, ‘It’s not fair that you are earning more money than me!’ Empathy was not with me that day, but everything changed the next. How could it change overnight? The infamous 7.2 Earthquake hit No. California, as my manager left for home via the Oakland Bridge. The following day, I learned he was the last person to make it over the bridge as it collapsed into San Francisco Bay. When he returned to work, I told him I was happy he made it home safely. One word – Empathy.
Today’s Corporate Environment
What does any of the above have to do with today’s work environment? Everything! Hardly anything has changed in the corporate environment or society. If only we could address it similarly to the supply chain issues to rectify the situation! We need more diversity, equity, and equality.
Women responsible for children who need to work always seem to receive a fraction of men’s pay. Now imagine the lesser amount for women with varying skin color and cultural identities; zero empathy exists for those in this category. The only way women can lead is to begin their own companies. Why? A glass ceiling would be good because glass is easy to break. Women face a cement ceiling that few figure out how to drill through.
Your Story: Are You An Empathetic Leader?
Women who are empathetic leaders tend to build businesses of their own. They leave corporate behind to begin entrepreneurship. With the ability to find collaborative partners with similar goals, they can often create a corporate entity of their own. Those who model empathy are the ones who strive to empower younger females to learn how to become leaders themselves.
As the movie line states, there are a ‘few good men.’ They purposefully train others to lead and inspire their audience – the definition of an empathetic leader. This type of male also tends to build his own company to inspire and collaborate with others sharing their best to create a more robust business.
It stems back to the concept of becoming an empathetic leader. The benefit of building a business with empathy is creating admiration from your general audience and your clientele. The effort models excellence in leadership. Coupling excellence in leadership with delivering value and service, a loyal clientele begins to build. Accordingly, testimonials and referrals blossom, and business growth increase beyond original expectations.
In Conclusion: Are You An Empathetic Leader?
If you desire to become an empathetic leader, take the lead from the successful women you know. Observe their actions and reactions, take note of their vocabulary and gestures, and have a heart-to-heart conversation with them to learn more. You will hear the empathy in the discussion, the tone of voice, and how they interact with you. Maintain your authentic identity while adapting the best of what you learn to become an empathetic leader, too.
For More Insights: Visit Elinor’s Amazon Author Page
“Communicate to Attract Interest”
Authentic Relationships Are Essential
Be A Story-Teller
As the CEO of Smooth Sale, after her near-death experience, Stutz created the motto,
“Believe, Become, Empower“
” Nice Girls DO Get the Sale is an International Best-Selling and Evergreen Book – among the classics;
HIRED! Helped many to secure the job they desired.
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Sales Tips: Are You An Empathetic Leader?
- Take time out to discover what it means to be an empathetic leader.
- Consider the benefits of changing old habits to attempt a new leadership style.
- Speak with peers about their experiences working with employers who have no concern for staff versus those who do.
- Research the latest trends in leadership to decide if a class may be beneficial.
- Read the books of those who excel in business to increase the number of ideas coming to you.
- Consult with your peers as to what works well in their experience.
- Should you employ people, ask for their input on how you may improve.
- Host team meetings with lunch to relax the conversation and gain additional ideas.
- Review company policies about equality in salaries and promotions to enhance staff guidance.
- Celebrate Success!
Today’s insights are provided to help you achieve the Smooth Sale!
RESOURCES FOR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS GROWTH:
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Women’s Information Network (WIN) An education-and-event-based Global Community of Women Helping Women Worldwide Live Their Best Lives through Celebration, Self-Improvement, and Service.
