Be In Touch With Your Sensitive Side

In today's world, sensitivity is often seen as a weakness. We beg to differ! You see, being sensitive can be a strength, especially when it comes to empathy. Empathy means understanding and sharing the feelings of others. This helps build stronger connections, improves teamwork, and leads to better problem-solving.

When you’re more sensitive, you tend to notice the emotions of those around you. It involves paying attention to small details, like a colleague's body language or tone of voice. By being sensitive, we can respond better to others' needs and concerns. This helps in addressing issues early, creating a more peaceful work environment.

For example, if a team member is unusually quiet during meetings, a sensitive and empathetic colleague might ask if everything is OK and offer support. This simple act may seem small and insignificant but believe us when we say this, it can make a big difference. You’re also able to identify and solve problems like stress or burnout before it worsens, making it easier to help a colleague out.

It is also a great leadership trait! Leaders who show empathy via their sensitive nature can inspire and motivate their teams, building loyalty and trust which is important when constructing a great team. They are also better at handling conflicts, as they can understand different perspectives and find solutions that work for everyone.

Additionally, a culture that has empathy promotes diversity and inclusion. When employees feel understood and respected, no matter their background or experiences, they are more likely to contribute their best work.

Question is, how does one build empathy? Here are some tips for you:

Listen Actively
Pay full attention when someone is speaking. Don't interrupt; show that you value their perspective. This makes the speaker feel heard and helps you understand their viewpoint better. Also, you get to gain a different perspective on a certain matter which would be great, especially as a leader.

Encourage Open Communication
Create a space where team members feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings. Be open and honest, and welcome feedback.

Show Kindness
Approach interactions with kindness and understanding. Acknowledge others' emotions and validate their experiences, even if you don't fully agree with them.

Practise Mindfulness
Being present in the moment helps you notice the emotions and needs of those around you. Mindfulness practices, like meditation, can improve your sensitivity and empathy.

Photo by young rc on Unsplash.