Video Blog – Servant Leadership: Intentional Empathy
Video Blog – Servant Leadership: Intentional Empathy
Jerry Murray and Roger North discuss empathy as an essential characteristic of servant leaders.
In what ways do you practice empathy? How can you be intentional in demonstrating empathy to those you serve?
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Scott, you are “right on” with this thought. In fact, we find that servant leadership is often more effective when we ask questions than when we provide answers/solutions. In addition, when we “stay in the moment” we are better able to understand the particular circumstances that create the very conversation we are involved in.
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Thanks Roger, Jerry,
I like the informal format.
Great content, plenty to think about and apply!
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Nice Job Jerry and Roger. I like the Vlog.
Here’s my two cents…
Whereas Empathy is a word describing how I should feel or react towards a person, family or associate, perspective is the tool you need to drive that emotion or desire. I may want to feel or display an empathetic attitude but the only way to do that is to ask questions to understand the other persons perspective, circumstance or emotional state. Where empathy is the nail, that can pierce the soul for true connection, perspective is the hammer you need to need to drive it in. Sometimes it’s a sledge hammer (a lot of time and understanding) and sometimes its just a tack hammer (they’re already there, they just need someone to listen)It’s only after we have listened can we really empathize. “Seek to understand before being understood”; “walk a mile in my shoes” are the tools we need to use to make it look and feel genuine.
Keep up the good work!
So “Intentional Empathy” is seeking the other persons perspective in order to deliver the appropriate response. Empathy, sympathy,
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Awesome example of how to be intentional with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Thanks for the reminder.
Yours In Strength & Grace,
Steve
Well said Jerry and Roger.
I agree that feeling and then exhibiting empathy takes more intentionality for many of us. We need to spend more time listening and processing before – or maybe even instead of – preparing to respond with advice or an answer.
Am I correct that servant leadership doesn’t always mean having the answer, but it does mean “being in the moment” with a person, where empathy can more easily be formed?